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Whoever takes over from David Moyes at West Ham – and Julen Lopetegui could be forgiven for turning his phone off after this one — his No 1 priority should be selecting a new captain.
It seems impossible that Moyes, his current contract not so much running out as stumbling chaotically, will still be in charge next season. Not after another complete capitulation, a shipping of five goals for the second time in three games, and a fourth overall this term.
Moyes was quick to point out that the loss of Declan Rice last summer was a big reason why only the bottom three have let in more than the Hammers’ 70 goals and counting in league action alone.
But Rice has equally been missed as their captain: he wore the armband in his final season and before that when long-time leader Mark Noble was not picked.
Kurt Zouma is West Ham’s current skipper, as poor a choice as Moyes has made in his entire managerial career. The centre-back, arguably more famous for maltreating a cat than for any on-pitch endeavour in claret and blue, had a stinker of a return to his former club Chelsea.
That can happen but what did he do on the final whistle? Vladimir Coufal, Jarrod Bowen — unlucky to hit the woodwork three times — and Tomas Soucek made a present of their shirts to young fans who remained in a rapidly-emptying away end.
Others went over and clapped but not Zouma. He was first down the tunnel, despite words from coach Kevin Nolan — another former captain.
“We were lacking toughness, leadership, mental toughness,” listed Moyes, who had also opted for a quick tunnel exit.
“The manager will always take the responsibility but somewhere along the line the players will have to take the responsibility for not doing their jobs.”
This is an extract of The Score. Sign up here to receive the newsletter every Monday morning this season for Daniel Storey’s verdict on all 20 Premier League clubs
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