West Ham were hammered 4-2 by Watford this afternoon.
West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet
Pundit Chris Sutton has told BBC Sport that he felt goalkeeper Adrian was ‘absolutely hopeless’ during West Ham’s 4-2 home defeat to Watford today.
The Hammers appeared to be in cruise control as they raced into a 2-0 lead at the London Stadium, with Michail Antonio scoring two headers from two Dimitri Payet crosses.
West Ham United’s Dimitri Payet in the bubbles before the match
However, Slaven Bilic’s men came apart at the seams, first with Odion Ighalo pulling a goal back, and then with Troy Deeney drawing the teams level after a defensive mix-up between goalkeeper Adrian and defender James Collins.
Etienne Capoue then continued his fine goalscoring form with the third goal, before Jose Holebas added a fourth to cap off a superb comeback from Walter Mazzarri’s side.
West Ham United’s Adrian in action
With a defeat to Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League, an unconvincing 1-0 win over Bournemouth and now today’s defeat to Watford, West Ham really are experiencing some growing pains of moving into a new stadium – but the fans did witness a piece of brilliance today.
Antonio’s second goal was a close range header, but it came from a quite sublime cross by Dimitri Payet, as he performed a rabona to stun the Watford defence and leave Antonio with the simple task of heading into an empty net.
Payet’s skill left pundit Chris Sutton dumbfounded, as the former England striker couldn’t believe that the Frenchman had pulled it off.
West Ham’s Adrian
However, later in the day, Sutton also told BBC Sport that he felt West Ham goalkeeper Adrian was ‘absolutely hopeless’, which may intensify calls for Darren Randolph to replace him between the stickcs.
“You’re not allowed to do things like that on a football field,” said Sutton. “How Payet’s done that, I couldn’t possibly tell you. And I couldn’t do it.”
“This game has had absolutely everything, calamitous defending, outstanding goals. West Ham should have seen it out but Watford deserve it. Adrian has been absolutely hopeless today,” he added.
What did you think of Payet’s skill and Adrian’s performance?
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
