West Ham United’s gritty 2-0 victory over Newcastle United on Monday night has given manager Julen Lopetegui a much-needed lifeline. The Spanish tactician, who replaced David Moyes in the summer, had been under immense pressure following a string of underwhelming performances that left the Hammers languishing in the lower reaches of the Premier League table.
Tactical Tweaks Spark Revival
Lopetegui’s tactical adjustments proved instrumental in West Ham’s resurgence at St James’ Park. The decision to deploy Aaron Wan-Bissaka in a more conventional right-back role, rather than the inverted position he had been occupying, paid dividends as the former Manchester United defender scored the crucial second goal early in the second half.
The midfield trio of Lucas Paquetá, Tomas Soucek, and Carlos Soler also clicked into gear, providing a level of control and composure that had been sorely lacking in recent weeks. Paquetá, in particular, looked revitalized, dropping deep to aid in distribution and linking up effectively with his teammates.
Paquetá’s Resurgence Key
The Brazilian playmaker’s return to form could not have come at a better time for West Ham. Paquetá had struggled to make an impact since his high-profile move from Lyon last year, but his performance against Newcastle suggests he may be ready to shoulder the creative burden for Lopetegui’s side.
Lucas makes things tick. He lifts those around him and when he’s on song, we look a different team.
– A source close to the West Ham dressing room
Challenges Lie Ahead
Despite the morale-boosting win, Lopetegui knows that his team still has plenty to prove. The visit of title-chasing Arsenal on Saturday evening presents a daunting challenge, and the Hammers will need to be at their best to secure a positive result.
Questions also remain over whether the Newcastle performance was a one-off or the start of a genuine upturn in fortunes. West Ham’s inconsistency has been a recurring theme this season, with promising displays often followed by baffling collapses.
Discipline Concerns Linger
Lopetegui will also need to address his side’s disciplinary issues if they are to maintain their Premier League status. Red cards for Edson Álvarez and Mohammed Kudus in recent weeks have hampered West Ham’s cause, leaving them short-handed at crucial moments.
- Edson Álvarez picked up his second red card of the season in the 3-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest
- Mohammed Kudus will serve the last of his five-match ban against Arsenal after losing his head against Tottenham
Lopetegui’s Touchline Absence a Blow
The fiery Spaniard’s own touchline ban for the Arsenal clash is another unwelcome distraction. Lopetegui’s presence on the sidelines has been a galvanizing force for his players, and his absence could be keenly felt as they seek to build on the Newcastle result.
Favorable Fixtures Offer Hope
Despite the challenges ahead, West Ham’s upcoming fixture list does provide grounds for optimism. After the Arsenal game, the Hammers face a run of matches against teams in and around them in the table, offering a chance to put daylight between themselves and the bottom three.
| Date | Opponent | Venue |
| Dec 9 | Brentford | Away |
| Dec 16 | Wolverhampton Wanderers | Home |
| Dec 26 | Fulham | Away |
| Dec 30 | Bournemouth | Home |
Positive results in these matches could provide the platform for a more comfortable second half of the season. However, any slip-ups could see Lopetegui’s side dragged back into the relegation mire, ramping up the pressure on the former Sevilla and Spain boss.
Belief Growing in Lopetegui’s Methods
For now, though, there is a sense that Lopetegui is beginning to instill his methods and philosophy at the London Stadium. The win at Newcastle showcased a team playing with greater cohesion, organization, and intensity – hallmarks of the Spaniard’s approach.
We’re starting to see what the gaffer wants from us. It’s taken time, but we’re buying into his ideas and the results are starting to come.
– A West Ham player, speaking on condition of anonymity
If Lopetegui can continue to coax improved performances from his key players and keep his squad focused and disciplined, West Ham have the quality to pull away from danger. The challenge now is to build on the Newcastle victory and prove that it was not merely a flash in the pan, but the start of a sustained revival under their new manager’s stewardship.
