Lopetegui rues missed opportunity as West Ham lose to Man City

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui was not encouraged by the performance of his team despite losing 3-1 at home to Manchester City in their third league game.

“It is true that City is one of the best teams around the world for sure… but it is also true too that in the second half we have been very close to a draw,” he said speaking to BBC Match of the Day.

“I think we have played one very good second half. The start has been very good for us too.”

West Ham threatened for extended periods of the match and had chances to level the match at 2-1 down, with the best coming from Mohammed Kudus as he smashed a shot against the bar in the second half.

They also started the game brightly before going a goal down inside 10 minutes.

“In my mind we started very well, being aggressive,” said Lopetegui.

“We know in this plan normally they have initiative, it’s very difficult to not concede initiative then. That’s why you have to do a lot of very good things to overcome them.

“In the second half we had chances, I think we kept the ball much more, much more, and didn’t concede a lot of chances.”

A strong second-half showing, but the visitors take all three points. pic.twitter.com/BfbThAP9wE

— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 31, 2024

But the hosts were ultimately undone by the brilliant finishing of Erling Haaland, who scored his second hat-trick in as many matches.

“He is one of the best players in the world, that’s why he plays for Manchester City,” he said.

“You have to compete with these kind of players. City has the power and the quality to create chances.”

But ultimately, he was left frustrated at the sense of a missed opportunity and that his team were unable to earn themselves a draw that hadn’t seemed implausible during the match.

“Today I think the first goal was a pity for us but I’ve said it. I was happy with the performance think we were able to draw but again they damage us,” he said.

“Against this kind of team, if you make a mistake they don’t forgive. This is the difference they have… A little mistake they punish you, they punish us.

“We have to improve, to know to compete against this kind of team to be close to perfection.

“Don’t make mistakes, be calm, defend well… we have quality players too.”