Aaron Cresswell admits West Ham could have no complaints about being booed for their dreadful display against Newcastle on Saturday.
West Ham lost 3-2 against the struggling Tynesiders at London Stadium to leave Manuel Pellegrini under pressure after five matches without a win. The Hammers were three down before a late rally and their good start to the season is fading fast.
West Ham are now in the bottom half of the table and left-back Cresswell says they deserved to be booed off by unhappy fans at half-time and full-time.
“It was understandable the way they reacted,” said the 29-year-old. “There is no beating around the bush, [our performance] was not good enough. We have got to put it right. We are not in a panic situation, but considering the start to the season we had, it was frustrating that we have not kicked on.
“To be 3-0 down at home against Newcastle is not good enough. We are going through a tough period at the moment. We have got to stick together and get through it. We have got to get back to what we were doing at the start of the season.”
The atmosphere was not as toxic as it was during the 3-0 home defeat to Burnley in March 2018, but fans made their feelings clear as West Ham’s slump continued.
Some of Pellegrini’s team selections in recent weeks have been questionable and a woeful display was marked by poor defending, slow build-up play and an unconvincing display from goalkeeper Roberto.
Pellegrini admitted he is “very concerned” by his team’s drop in form. The West Ham board made it clear that European football was the target this season, but the Hammers are now closer to the bottom three than the top six.
West Ham travel to Burnley on Saturday and Pellegrini has warned they need to improve. “We have been in worse positions than now, but we need a strong reaction,” said the Chilean. “I hope the squad understand.”
