Pundit Paul Merson has expressed his lack of surprise at West Ham’s 3-1 defeat to Manchester City, stating that he had predicted the outcome before the match. “I said it before the game, West Ham didn’t stand a chance against Manchester City,” Merson said. “They’re just too good, too strong, and too well-organized. West Ham’s performance was exactly what I expected.”

Merson’s comments come after West Ham’s disappointing loss at the London Stadium, where they were outclassed by Manchester City’s superior skill and firepower. Despite a spirited second-half performance, West Ham were unable to overcome the deficit and ultimately succumbed to a 3-1 defeat.

“I’m not being harsh, but West Ham were never going to win this game,” Merson added. “They might have had some moments, but Manchester City’s quality and depth are just too much for them. I’m not surprised by the result, and I don’t think anyone should be.”

West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui acknowledged the gulf in quality between the two teams, saying, “Manchester City is a team that requires you to be almost perfect to beat them. They have incredible players and many solutions.”

Lopetegui also praised his team’s second-half performance, saying, “We made some adjustments and did better. We had more possession, created chances, and defended better. However, it’s frustrating because the players made a big effort, and we deserved more from the second half.”

Despite the defeat, Lopetegui remains optimistic about his team’s chances this season, saying, “We have a good squad, and we can compete against any team. We just need to be more consistent and take our chances