Julen Lopetegui insists West Ham 'deserved more' from defeat to Man City as he hails players

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Evening Standard

·31 August 2024

Julen Lopetegui insists West Ham 'deserved more' from defeat to Man City as he hails players

Three ruthless finishes from Erling Haaland downed West Ham in east London

A frustrated Julen Lopetegui insisted his players deserved more from their second-half performance after losing 3-1 to Manchester City.

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West Ham sit on three points after as many Premier League games this season, with Erling Haaland having consigned them to defeat on Saturday as he netted a hat-trick at the London Stadium.

Lopetegui was left disappointed that his players were not rewarded for their efforts.

“We started the match very well,” Lopetegui said. “We didn’t score. We have to take advantage of this moment; if not, it’s very difficult.

“This [City] team doesn’t forgive you, so they scored. In the second half, we changed a few little details and I think we did better. We did really well — were able to make possession, create chances.

“With the same players, we changed positions. We did better and had a better set-up. They do a lot of overlaps and we were able to defend these gaps better. We had more control with the ball.”

The West Ham manager added: “It is frustrating, because the players made a big, big effort. The second half, in my opinion, we deserved more. But we played against one team where if you want to beat them, you have to be very close to perfection. They have a lot of solutions, incredible players.

“It is true that we did good things. We want to keep the good things — but it’s not enough.”

West Ham’s deadline-day loan signing from Paris Saint-Germain, Carlos Soler, was introduced to the home supporters before kick-off at the London Stadium.

The Hammers visit Fulham at Craven Cottage on September 14 after the international break, where they lost 5-0 under previous manager David Moyes last season.