West Ham United headed into the international break amidst a chorus of boos following their goalless draw with Everton on Saturday afternoon.
On Remembrance weekend - in a respectful and moving pre-match ceremony - a sold-out London Stadium had, once again, fittingly honoured those brave souls who had made the ultimate sacrifice defending their country.
But despite Julen Lopetegui’s post-match protestations to the contrary, the game itself then become instantly forgettable.
“In my opinion, across the full 94 or so minutes, we deserved to win,” insisted the Hammers head coach following a sorry Stratford stalemate.
“Sure, I was not happy with our first-half performance because we didn’t do enough, but we then showed that we can do better than that.
“In the second half, we found some energy, our distances and pressed higher, too. That’s why we were able to create four or five clear chances.”
Indeed, it was only on the stroke of half-time that Jarrod Bowen finally forced Jordan Pickford into his first save of the afternoon and, after the break, the 71-cap England keeper also twice denied substitute Danny Ings, while Crysencio Summerville struck the woodwork, too.
“We are still doing good things but we’re not doing enough to be consistent,” continued Lopetegui.
“We have just kept a clean sheet against an Everton team who have some very good players. They only had one or two big opportunities while we created enough chances to win the match but Pickford – one of the best players on the pitch – made some good saves. We also hit the post.”
A few bright sparks could not, however, disguise another spluttering performance and a dismal, dour draw that leaves West Ham in 14th place with the Spaniard still under the microscope as his players depart for international duty.
“We are not happy with 12 points and can do better but we also need to keep those positive things in our minds,” added Lopetegui.
“We have to improve our energy and intensity and are going to be working hard 24/7 to achieve this. We need to grow up as a team and as a group.”
Certainly, things will not get any easier for the head coach once the Hammers return to action given they face a tricky trip to Newcastle United (November 25, 8pm) before hosting Arsenal at London Stadium five days later (5.30 pm).
“I am happy with my players, I am happy with the football club and the summary of the Premier League competition will not come until next April or May,” concluded Lopetegui with dogged defiance.
“As a coach, this is nothing new to me because I have always worked under pressure."
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