'Let him down' - Paul Merson slams West Ham players as David Moyes point made following Arsenal defeat

Paul Merson insists the West Ham players let David Moyes down during their 6-0 thrashing at the hands of Arsenal.

The Hammers collapsed in front of their own supporters on Sunday, conceding four goals before half-time and going on to suffer a joint-highest home league defeat in the club's history. Bukayo Saka scored twice for Arsenal, with one goal apiece for William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhaes, Leandro Trossard and former West Ham captain Declan Rice.

The manner of goals for Saliba and Gabriel in particular were uncharacteristic of West Ham, with both rising highest to nod home set-pieces amid poor defending. That and the lack of fight to going behind will be a major concern for Moyes and Merson believes the manager was let down by his players.

“I think Arsenal made West Ham surrender and that is quite sad, as a player that's the one thing you don't want to do,” Merson told Sky Sports. “There are ways of losing football matches, that's a horrible way. 

“I feel sorry for David Moyes because that's not a David Moyes team out there, they've let him down today. They work hard and they can get opened up by very good teams but not by set plays. Today they were poor.”

Arsenal could conceivably have scored more and manager Mikel Arteta was able to make early changes and take the foot off the gas. West Ham are now winless in seven games across all competitions in what has been a woeful start to the new year at the London Stadium.

Pressure is growing on Moyes and the image of thousands of supporters leaving the stadium before half-time somewhat typifies the feeling among the fanbase. The return of Europa League football early next month should reinject some optimism into the club but defeat on the continent might only increase the pressure on the manager.