West Ham have conceded set-piece goals in their last three matches against Crystal Palace, Newcastle and Burnley, but manager Manuel Pellegrini had no explanation when asked about the issue after the defeat at Turf Moor.
The Chilean mentioned that the first goal against Burnley came from a corner that should have been a goal kick but, other than that, he didn’t give any indication that he would be looking to address the issue:
“Yes, one of the big problems. The first goal was not a corner, a refereeing mistake. Very concerned about why we’re doing that, same against Newcastle and Crystal Palace. We try to continue the way we want to play.”
Unsurprisingly, supporters on Twitter are not happy with Pellegrini’s response:
Clueless
— Conko97WHU (@Connorlangham1) November 9, 2019
Anyone would think he wants firing based on his decision making
— Craig ⚒ Jackman (@75_chicoIron) November 9, 2019
Shambles
— Bradley Cullen (@MrBradleyCullen) November 9, 2019
— Jamie Sinclair (@Jamie77sinclair) November 9, 2019
Relegation candidates. Pellegrini refuses to adapt to the opposition, which makes it very easy for every opponent to game plan against us. Badly drilled/organised outfit, lack of effort and motivation from players, and selection is largely based on loyalty not form. Shambles.
— Michael Buckler (@mjb85) November 9, 2019
He has to go. Terrible season and the signings have been woeful!
— Alan (@AJZhammers) November 9, 2019
Once a great Manager but the team aint playing for him and he cant change that. Time he booked in to the big Sam scrap heap in the sky ⚒️
— Carl B (@HitchinCarl) November 10, 2019
Corner that should not have been given but yes I think he wants to be sacked
— SteveT (@StevieT1969) November 9, 2019
Pellegrini is coming under increasing pressure with no wins in his last six games. While scoring is a major issue, it must be said that the defence is a bigger concern, having conceded six in their last two matches.
Defending set-pieces is one of the easiest problems to fix as you can change markers and marking systems to accommodate the players on the pitch. Even so, it appears Pellegrini is not likely to make significant changes.