West Ham United were beaten 3-0 in their Premier League clash with Brighton and Hove Albion, and Slaven Bilic’s face in one photo tells the story.
As things stand, it appears from the outside that Slaven Bilic’s days at West Ham are numbered and the Croatian’s exit – whether that comes at the end of the season or even earlier – is just inevitable.
The Hammers’ underwhelming start to the new season was dealt another blow on Friday as Brighton came to the London Stadium and became the second newly-promoted side this season to win a fixture against Bilic’s men 3-0.
West Ham appeared to apply much of the pressure during the game, but that pressure was not converted into chances, and they were punished as a Glenn Murray brace and a stunner from Jose Izquierdo ensured that the Seagulls picked up the three points to create some daylight between the two teams in the table.
With West Ham winning just twice in their opening nine games and conceding 17 goals in that time, the loss against Chris Hughton’s men has the potential to really go down as a defining game in Bilic’s tenure if he is not able to turn things around while he remains at the helm.
And one photo just hints that Bilic may now be resigned to what his fate may be.
Bilic can be one of the most animated managers on the touchline, but one photo taken in the moments just before Solly March was brought on for Brighton – when the score was 2-0 – depicted the 49-year-old looking incredibly glum.
Of course, one of the following frames may have shown Bilic back to his passionate best, but the photo certainly symbolises the fairly desperate situation Bilic appears to find himself in.
Given Bilic’s status at West Ham and what he did in his first season as the Irons boss, it would be great to see the Croatian salvage the situation. But, as things look now, it is incredibly difficult to see Bilic’s time with the club ending on any kind of positive note.
West Ham United’s manager Slaven Bilic
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
