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Lingard: West Ham Squad Must Fight Harder After Collapse

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West Ham playmaker Jesse Lingard has demanded more from his teammates in terms of clinical finishing and overall ambition following a disappointing collapse in a 3-3 draw with Arsenal.

Hosting the Gunners, West Ham looked to be in the driving seat following a three-goal opening flurry, but two own goals and an exemplary performance from Alexandre Lacazette ensured the points were shared.

Considering the Hammers’ impeccable opening form, many fans will have shared in Lingard’s disgruntlement on the result.

Lingard did not hold back on his dampened spirit as he was quoted by the Evening Standard:

“We’re disappointed,” said Lingard, who will return to England duties in the coming weeks.

“Going 3-0 up and then dropping back and not having the confidence to get another goal.

“If we want to fight for top four we have to put our chances away. With a start like that you have to kick on and get more goals.

“I felt we dropped off, they had more possession – we needed to start the second half quick but it was a lapse in concentration and focus [at the start of the second half].

“I want to help the team any way I can. Everyone is disappointed in the dressing room but we have to pick ourselves up and move on.”

Opinion

With three goals on the scoresheet, it is curious that Lingard chooses to focus on finishing and grabbing a fourth.

As much as it is a testament to his ambitious outlook, surely defending such a comfortable lead and dictating the tempo of the game is more of a priority.

Regardless, Lingard operates with a stoic poise in his quotes that show the encouraging drive in the West Ham camp.

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