London (AFP) – Manuel Pellegrini slammed his West Ham flops for their “very bad” start to the season after the Chilean’s struggling side crashed to a fourth successive Premier League defeat.
Pellegrini, who spent £100 million ($129 million) on nine new signings in the close-season, has lost his first four league matches with the east London club.
On Saturday, it was a Adama Traore goal deep into second half stoppage-time that condemned the Hammers to a 1-0 defeat against promoted Wolves at the London Stadium.
Instead of winding the clock down in the final seconds, West Ham’s Carlos Sanchez — one of Pellegrini’s new recruits — lost possession to Ruben Neves and in a flash substitute Traore had the ball in the net.
Only once before in their history have West Ham lost their opening four league matches of a season, in 2010-11 under Avram Grant, when they were relegated.
With a trip to Everton up next followed by visits from Chelsea and Manchester United things could get a lot worse before they get better for former Manchester City boss Pellegrini.
“We knew before we started that we had a tough start, seven difficult games,” Pellegrini said.
“I don’t think it is a bad start, it is a very bad start. We didn’t think we’d lose six points here at home. Here at home to lose we must be very worried.
“But I think everyone inside the club is calm. I think we have a strong squad and we are going to have better performances in the future.
“But of course, when you start with no points in four games it is difficult.”
