Lopetegui again gave the impressive star limited playing time in defeat away to Green Street Hammers

Although manager Julen Lopetegui revealed he brought on Criscencio Somerville as a second-half substitute against Manchester United to create more scoring chances, the 22-year-old should have been given more playing time against Nottingham Forest after his goal in the 2-0 home win -1. Lopetegui started the former Leeds United star in the away game against Nuno Espirito Santo’s side as well, but made the surprise decision to bring Michail Antonio into the front three to replace Somerville.

The decision to change the line-up in the second half was due to the fact that Edson Alvarez received another red card this season against Nottingham Forest. The Hammers were already 1-0 down and now had to play with ten men, which is why many West Ham fans expected a midfielder like Carlos Soler or Andy Irving to be brought into the team in place of a striker.

Lucas Paqueta struggled in the previous few games against Tottenham Hotspurs and Manchester United and therefore had to be substituted in the second half. Instead, Lopetegui decided to replace one of West Ham’s most promising players, Criscencio Somerville.

Somerville’s impressive pace would help West Ham win possession quickly as well as create several chances down the left flank to get back into the game. But that was not to be, and in addition, Lopetegui fielded experienced striker Michael Antonio instead of bringing Andy Irving into the squad.

Antonio hasn’t enjoyed a brilliant start to the season and his form and fitness haven’t been convincing in the previous two seasons, so playing him in attack alongside Lucas Paquette meant West Ham couldn’t make much progress in Nottingham Forest’s half. Furthermore, the hosts fielded a solid defense that registered their fourth clean sheet in the Premier League to take a huge 3-0 win against the Hammers.

Once again, West Ham have failed to secure back-to-back wins in the current Premier League season and now need a convincing home win against Everton to build momentum for the upcoming games after the international break.