Premier League winners and losers: Lethal Liverpool, Hammers get hammered
By Ty Finch
Loser: Slaven Bilic
West Ham have easily been the most disappointing team in the Premier League through three matches. Their board has noticed, and there are reports that Slaven Bilic could be sacked only three weeks in. That’s how dire the Hammers have been at the start of this season.
A 4-0 defeat to Manchester United in the first contest was slightly worrying, if not understandable now, given their dominating form. Bilic could be forgiven for losing the next match as well because of the mindless red card that Marko Arnautovic picked up. In fact, the manager could be praised for the fight that his team showed after the sending off. But a 3-0 thrashing to Newcastle, who hadn’t won or scored a goal prior to Saturday, is unacceptable.
Bilic made a few seemingly savvy transfers this summer, but only one has shown up thus far. Marko Arnautovic was a record signing and has hurt the team more than helped. Joe Hart has been a victim of an atrocious defensive unit, but hasn’t covered himself in glory either. Former Manchester City teammate Pablo Zabaleta has looked slow and was routinely out of place against Newcastle. Chicharito has been the lone bright transfer spot, scoring the only two goals that West Ham have tallied this season.
The Hammers have the worst goal difference in the Premier League and sit at the bottom of the table. Bilic’s players have looked out of sync, lethargic and unmotivated, and his tactics haven’t inspired any confidence. West Ham face Huddersfield at home in their next match, and if they continue to play like they have, Bilic could be on his way out soon after.