In a frustrating turn of events, West Ham allowed a last-minute equalizer to Southampton, costing them two points in a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium.
The Hammers had looked set to secure a much-needed victory after Jarrod Bowen’s second-half opener, but a stoppage-time goal from Lesley Ugochukwu salvaged a point for the visitors.
The result left West Ham still searching for a win under manager Graham Potter since February.
Fullkrug Blasts West Ham’s Lack of Focus
Niclas Fullkrug was fuming after the game, calling out his teammates for what he described as a serious “mindset problem” that led to the late goal.
The German striker didn’t mince words as he criticized the lack of motivation and ability to push forward after Bowen’s goal.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Fullkrug said, “It’s a mindset problem.
I am very angry. Not disappointed, just angry for what we did after the goal.
It was difficult to bring the boys back to push up. We didn’t push up anymore.
We tried but we didn’t have the ability or the motivation to push up again.
I’m very, very angry that we played like this.”
West Ham’s Missed Opportunity
The match had started promisingly for the hosts, with Fullkrug playing a key role in setting up Bowen’s opener just two minutes into the second half.
However, after dominating possession in the first 65 minutes, West Ham’s performance faltered
Fullkrug pointed to the team’s tendency to abandon their attacking approach after scoring, resorting instead to long balls and deep defensive play. “We just shoot the ball long.
We don’t try to play football anymore,” he said. “We don’t push up anymore. We just sink. And that’s not the way we want to play.”
The Striker’s Call for Change
Fullkrug didn’t hold back as he expressed his frustration with the team’s lack of unity and discipline.
He acknowledged that there were moments in the game where West Ham showed their potential, but he stressed the importance of maintaining a collective approach.
“We have to find a way to have togetherness, to have the idea of where we want to go, what we want to do,” he added.
“The coach is very clear about what he wants, but we have to do it all, everyone has to do it.”
A Setback for West Ham’s Survival Hopes
With the draw, West Ham’s struggles under Potter continue.
The team remains stuck in mid-table and will need to find a way to turn things around quickly if they are to avoid slipping further down the standings.
Fullkrug’s outburst suggests that the frustration within the squad is reaching a boiling point, and it’s clear that the team will need to address their mental and tactical issues if they hope to bounce back from another disappointing result.