BBC · Nov 25, 2024
Could win at Newcastle be Lopetegui turning point?
Image caption, The win at Newcastle was Julen Lopetegui's fifth as West Ham managerJulen Lopetegui lasted nine months at Wolverhampton Wanderers, 10 weeks at Real Madrid and, prior to Monday's trip to Newcastle, looked in real danger of adding a short reign at West Ham to his CV.
But the Hammers produced their best performance of the season at the perfect time, deservedly winning 2-0 at St James' Park to move six points clear of the relegation zone.
Prior to the match, former Crystal Palace striker Clinton Morrison said Lopetegui was "the most under pressure manager in the Premier League", and while that pressure has not been wiped away, it has significantly eased.