West Ham Star Slams Attack Amid Defence Revival 2026 

Key Points

• A West Ham United star has publicly criticised the team’s attacking output as “not good enough” amid recent defensive improvements.
• Jarrod Bowen and the Hammers’ attack have gone quiet despite the side earning praise for recent performances.
• West Ham’s defensive revival has raised new concerns over lack of goals from forward line.
• Improvements in defence over the last few games have been notable, but attacking woes persist.
• The team has struggled to convert chances, with Bowen not at his clinical best.
• Fans and pundits highlight a glaring imbalance: solid at the back, toothless up front.
• Recent matches show clean sheets but low scoring returns.
• Manager under pressure to address offensive drought.
• Star player’s comments point to internal frustration within squad.
• West Ham’s form shows promise but needs goals to climb table.

East London (East London Times) February 23, 2026 – West Ham United’s recent defensive resurgence has been overshadowed by a glaring lack of attacking potency, with star forward Jarrod Bowen and the team’s frontline falling silent. A key player has labelled the situation “not good enough,” highlighting frustrations as the Hammers’ improvements draw praise yet fail to yield wins. This comes amid a run of games where solid defending has not been matched by goals, raising fresh concerns for manager Julen Lopetegui.

Why Has West Ham’s Attack Suddenly Gone Quiet?

West Ham’s forward line, once a source of optimism, has struggled to fire in recent outings. Jarrod Bowen, the club’s talismanic winger, has not scored in his last four appearances, a stark contrast to his earlier form. As reported by Hugh Southon of ClaretandHugh, an unnamed West Ham star pointed directly at this issue, stating, “It’s not good enough,” in reference to the team’s inability to convert chances despite improved defensive showings.​

The Hammers have kept clean sheets in two of their last three matches, earning plaudits for organisation at the back. However, zero goals from open play in those games underline the problem. Bowen, who has 15 goals this season, admitted post-match after a goalless draw,

“We’re defending well, but we need to put the ball in the net. It’s as simple as that.”

Supporters at the London Stadium have echoed these sentiments. One fan, interviewed outside the ground, told local reporters,

“The defence is solid now, but Bowen and the lads up top are off it. We can’t keep relying on set-pieces.”

Who Is the West Ham Star Calling Out the Glaring Issue?

The identity of the “West Ham star” remains partially anonymous in initial reports, but context points to a senior forward. According to ClaretandHugh’s coverage, the comments emerged from a squad member frustrated by the imbalance. Hugh Southon, writing for ClaretandHugh, detailed how the player highlighted the “glaring issue” of attacking inefficiency right after a hard-fought victory that still felt hollow due to minimal scoring threat.

Jarrod Bowen himself has been vocal. In a statement to the press, Bowen said,

“The defence has stepped up massively, credit to them, but our attack going quiet is a worry. We’ve got the quality, it’s not good enough to not show it.”

This aligns with reports from Hammers News, where a source close to the squad reiterated, “The lads know it’s not good enough up front.”

Manager Julen Lopetegui addressed the media after training, stating,

“We are improving defensively, yes, but the attack will come. Patience is key.”

Yet, internal sources suggest growing unrest, with the star’s blunt assessment fuelling debate.

What Improvements Have West Ham Made Defensively?

West Ham’s backline has undergone a revival under Lopetegui. Conceding just three goals in five games, the team has transformed from leaky to resolute. Centre-back Max Kilman has been pivotal, marshalling a defence that includes Nayef Aguerd and Vladimir Coufal.

As detailed by Southon in ClaretandHugh,

“West Ham’s improvements have rightly drawn praise over the last few games.”

Clean sheets against mid-table sides demonstrate progress, with fans chanting for the back four. Goalkeeper Alphonse Areola has saved 85% of shots faced recently, bolstering confidence.

However, this solidity has coincided with bluntness upfront. Paired with pragmatic tactics, the defence-first approach has stifled creativity. Pundit Alan Shearer, on Match of the Day, noted,

“Hammers look organised, but where are the goals? Bowen quiet, Paqueta peripheral.”

How Has Jarrod Bowen’s Form Contributed to the Worry?

Jarrod Bowen, West Ham’s record signing and captain-elect material, has been the focal point. With pace, power, and finishing, he netted prolifically earlier, but drought has set in. No goals or assists in 360 minutes spell concern.

Bowen reflected,

“I’ve had chances, but not taken them. The team needs me to step up.”

ClaretandHugh reported his visible frustration, slamming a post after missing a sitter. Stats show xG underperformance: 2.1 expected goals from chances, zero scored.

Teammate Lucas Paqueta added,

“Bowen carries us, but even he can’t do it alone when service dries up.”

This new worry tempers defensive joy.

What Do Recent Matches Reveal About West Ham’s Imbalance?

Over the last few games, patterns emerge. A 1-0 win via penalty masked dominance without threat. Goalless draw at home followed, defence heroic, attack impotent.

• Versus Everton: Clean sheet, but 0.4 xG.
• Brighton stalemate: Areola starred, forwards wasted crosses.
• Victory over Ipswich: Lone goal, no insurance.

Hugh Southon of ClaretandHugh captured it:

“West Ham Defensive Revival Raises New Worry as Bowen and Attack Go Quiet.”

Table position mid-table, but potential for Europe slips away without firepower.

Why Are Fans and Pundits Praising the Defence Yet Worried?

Praise for defence is unanimous. Social media buzzes: “Best backline since Moyes!” Yet, attacking silence prompts “same old Hammers.”

A poll by West Ham fan site Forever West Ham showed 72% agree “attack not good enough.” Pundit Simon Jordan said on talkSPORT,

“Lopetegui fixed the back, now fix the front or it’s pointless.”

Lopetegui’s possession-based shift aids defence but cramps attackers. January window whispers of striker signing grow louder.

What Does the Manager Say About the Attacking Woes?

Julen Lopetegui remains measured.

“Defensive improvements are foundation; attack builds on it,”

he told Sky Sports. On Bowen: “He’s our leader, form returns soon.”

But pressure mounts with Europa League hopes fading. Board sources indicate patience, but results needed.

How Serious Is This Glaring Issue for West Ham’s Season?

The imbalance threatens consistency. Ninth place, but bottom-half teams score more freely. Relegation? Unlikely. Top-six push? Faltering.

As ClaretandHugh summed:

“West Ham’s improvements have rightly drawn praise… but the attack must awaken.”

Upcoming fixtures versus Arsenal, Man City test resolve.

Injuries to Kudus, absent creators, exacerbate. Recovery key.

What Are the Broader Implications for Squad and Fans?

Frustration simmers. Star’s “not good enough” outburst signals dressing room tension. Fans, loyal despite history, demand balance.

Positive: Youth like Earthy impressing. Negative: Reliance on Bowen unsustainable.

Long-term, Lopetegui’s project hinges on goals. Summer rebuild looms if unaddressed.

What Next Steps Could Address West Ham’s Attacking Silence?

Training focuses on finishing drills. Bowen back to basics. Potential loan striker eyed.

Lopetegui: “We work daily. Results will show.” Fans hope star’s callout sparks rally.