Glenn Hoddle strongly criticized West Ham defender Emerson Palmieri following their 5-0 defeat to Chelsea on Sunday, as Mauricio Pochettino’s side secured consecutive Premier League wins for the first time since December with a commanding performance at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea took a commanding 3-0 lead at halftime with goals from Cole Palmer, Conor Gallagher, and Noni Madueke, before Nicolas Jackson netted twice in the second half to seal the victory.
Hoddle, speaking on Premier League Productions, expressed concern over West Ham’s lack of urgency and defensive organization.
He noted that the team seemed complacent and only willing to play when in possession, failing to apply pressure and track back effectively when Chelsea regained the ball.
In particular, Hoddle singled out Emerson for criticism, highlighting his poor positioning and lack of awareness, especially during Jackson’s first goal for Chelsea.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining concentration and defensive discipline, especially in light of the number of goals conceded in the first half.
Jermain Defoe, a former West Ham striker, echoed Hoddle’s sentiments, expressing disappointment with the team’s defensive performance under manager Moyes.
He emphasized the need for hard work and defensive solidity, especially considering Moyes’ reputation as a defensive-minded coach.
Defoe emphasized that West Ham’s performance did not reflect the club’s identity and ethos. He highlighted the importance of defensive resilience, particularly against strong opponents like Chelsea, and suggested that Moyes should prioritize shoring up the defense to prevent conceding multiple goals.
Overall, Hoddle and Defoe’s critiques underscored the defensive shortcomings that contributed to West Ham’s heavy defeat to Chelsea.
Both emphasized the need for improved defensive organization and commitment from the players to prevent similar performances in the future.
