Spotlight on Steidten

Another grim night for West Ham brought more negative headlines - and dark humour - around manager Julen Lopetegui.

The Hammers boss is at the centre of a storm around poor tactics and bad results and, to compound his misery, left Anfield on crutches after the 5-1 Carabao Cup defeat by Liverpool after injuring his calf.

Outsiders are pointing out the situation is no better than it was under David Moyes, who left the club in the summer after four and a half seasons that included three European campaigns and West Ham's first trophy in 43 years.

But there should be some scrutiny also on technical director Tim Steidten.

The 45-year-old arrived at London Stadium with an impressive reputation following his time at Werder Bremen and Bayer Leverkusen. But he did not develop a close working relationship with Moyes and his fingerprints are all over the Hammers' summer recruitment campaign, including bringing in Lopetegui.

If there is an overall plan, it is Steidten's. He must take his share of the responsibility.