2/6 ground duels won, 1 big chance missed, 11x possession lost: Lopetegui must axe West Ham ace from the XI – View

West Ham United stuttered to another disappointing result against Everton over the weekend. The Hammers played a drab, goalless draw with the Toffees, leaving them in 14th place on the league log.

West Ham have only won three league games this season (D3, L5), and manager Julen Lopetegui is in the hot seat after their egregious start.

The Spaniard has gotten so many tactical decisions wrong, but his most startling mistake has been continuing with striker Michail Antonio.

The continued absence of Niclas Fullkrug through injury has left West Ham short of striking options. However, Lopetegui must drop Antonio from the starting XI, especially after his display against the Toffees.

The 34-year-old won only two of his six ground duels against Everton, losing possession 11 times and worse, missing a gilt-edged chance that could have handed the Hammers all three points.

The Jamaican international has managed one goal while missing four big chances in nine league games this season.

The transfer department missed a trick by signing Fullkrug, who, like Antonio, is entering the twilight of his career. They needed fresh, young blood to take the mantle but signed an injury-prone option. The German has not started a league game this season.

With the pressure mounting on Lopetegui, he must make bold decisions to turn the team’s fortunes around. Axing Antonio and finding a more suitable replacement could be a crucial step in that direction.

In the January transfer window, West Ham’s priority must be identifying a young, talented forward who can provide a long-term solution. We have suggested the club move for Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez, who is struggling for game time at Merseyside.

Lille man Jonathan David could also be available in January if Les Dogues decide to cash in on the Canadian. His contract expires in 2025, and the winter window is their last chance to recoup some funds.

Trabzonspor star Simon Banza is a long-term target. The Hammers were looking his way while he was impressing at Braga before moving for Fullkrug. Banza joined Trabzonspor in Turkey and has continued his stellar showings.