West Ham United

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Former Arsenal and Chelsea midfielder Cesc Fabregas has questioned where the "line" is when it comes to complaints from West Ham fans about manager David Moyes.

The 60-year-old guided the Hammers to Europa Conference League glory last season and has also steered them to the final stages of the Europa League on two occasions.

However, with his contract up in June, and West Ham reeling from a heavy defeat at Crystal Palace last time out, his future remains uncertain.

"I have a couple of friends that are big, big West Ham supporters and sometimes I ask the question, 'Why do you guys attack David Moyes so much when he's getting the right results?'," Fabregas asked on the Planet Premier League podcast.

"Last year they won a European cup, they were fighting for Europe up until not long ago and having good results. They said 'we love him for the results, but we don't like him because of the style', and he says 'we are unwatchable'. These are the words sometimes that they use, which I cannot really say anything because I'm not someone to judge this as I don't watch them week in, week out.

"But I think this is the only thing they complain [about]. I said, 'Yeah, but what do you prefer? To play good football and not get the results? Or to play football that suits him and get the results?', because at the end of the day, where is the line?"

The Hammers boss is yet to agree a new deal with the club and there has been talk of Sporting Lisbon manager Ruben Amorim as a candidate to replace him.

"Someone else will come and will start playing very good football but they will not win games and then they will be complaining at the other thing," added Fabregas.

"He [Moyes] has been successful… I respect [him] a lot for what he's done in football and for the man that I know he is."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

West Ham United have been in talks with former Spain and Wolves manager Julen Lopetegui "for months", as the contract of current boss David Moyes expires in June. (Mundo Deportivo - in Spanish), external

Want more news? Read Thursday's full gossip column

"Be careful what you wish for."

That's the line repeatedly aimed towards West Ham fans who have been calling for a change in manager this summer.

There is no doubt David Moyes has overseen one of the most successful eras in the club's modern history over the past four years. Three consecutive years in Europe - a club record. Two top-seven finishes in the Premier League. Silverware for the first time since 1980. It has been a wonderful time since he returned in 2020.

His win percentage of 45.81% makes him the most successful manager in the club's history, eclipsing the 43.6% achieved by Billy Bonds in the early 1990s.

When he does leave, he should go down as a West Ham hero, and some may argue he deserves legend status for the way in which he has positively impacted our club.

But that does not mean he is the best we will ever have. That does not mean we should now stand still.

Yet that is essentially what fans are being told by neutrals and pundits alike. Neutral fans appear bemused at the calls for Moyes' departure.

A common question is: "Do West Ham fans really believe they deserve better?"

The likes of Alan Shearer and Stuart Pearce have both resorted to "be careful what you wish for" statements in recent weeks, suggesting West Ham fans have no right to be looking for more than what they are currently getting. It is bizarre.

As things stand, West Ham have just been thrashed 5-2 by Crystal Palace, have the worst defensive record outside the Premier League's bottom three and are on course to blow European qualification, despite sitting sixth at the turn of the year.

We have only won four games in 2024 and have failed to beat Bristol City, Sheffield United, Bournemouth, Nottingham Forest, Burnley, Fulham and Palace. Yet, we are being told we should be happy about that.

My question to the likes of Shearer is: if there is no better than Moyes, would you want him at your club next season?

I think we all know the answer to that.

James Jones can be found at We Are West Ham, external

West Ham will hold talks with Sporting Lisbon head coach Ruben Amorim, 39, as they decide whether to extend David Moyes' contract this summer. It is not clear where the Hammers would rank in Amorim's options. (The Athletic - subscription required), external

Former Wolves boss Julen Lopetegui is a serious contender to replace Moyes at London Stadium. (Telegraph), external

Want more transfer news? Read Tuesday's gossip column

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Monday, 22 April marks Earth Day - a day in the international calendar that provides the opportunity to reflect, make change and understand more about sustainability and the impacts of climate change.

Sport and football are not immune to these issues and there has been increasing awareness of their relationship to the environment over the past few years.

Football has a global footprint and, as it continues to grow, it has been subject to questions and criticism over some of the decisions that could hinder efforts in reducing its impact, including expanding Uefa cup competitions and the men's Fifa World Cup.

The effects of adverse weather related to climate change has been increasingly felt, with a study last year showing extreme weather has affected 40% of football players and spectators.

But, football and its fanbase also have an opportunity to be part of the solution, with clubs like Forest Green Rovers showing how the sport's environmental footprint can be reduced.

We have taken a look into some of the key things West Ham are doing to become more sustainable:

• The club work with landlords at London Stadium on initiatives to help them reduce their carbon footprint.

• The stadium operates a zero-waste-to-landfill policy and 99% of food waste is processed through a machine that turns it into water used for other purposes in the stadium.

• Only paper straws are available at London Stadium, compostable cutlery has replaced plastic cutlery and wooden stirrers are provided instead of plastic.

• The stadium's electricity is supplied from 100% renewable sources, with a new workforce entrance building set to include 150sq m of solar panels.

• The club and foundation have used initiatives like Green Football Weekend and Planet Premier League to engage with local school children on the environment and sustainability.

One important area all Premier League clubs can address to reduce their carbon footprint is their travel, as shown in BBC Sport research.

Why is this important?

Football For Future is a non-profit organisation working with stakeholders across football to create a more environmentally sustainable culture and founder Elliot Arthur-Worsop told BBC Sport: "Climate change will be the defining challenge of our generation, and the future of football will be affected too.

"We're already seeing the impacts, with more than 120,000 English grassroots games being called off annually, and major tournaments such as the World Cup and Afcon being moved because of extreme weather.

"Beyond the pitch, the climate crisis threatens livelihoods and global food and water security.

"With its unparalleled social influence, football has an opportunity to inspire global climate action, from micro-behaviours to essential policy change."

What would you like to see your club do more (or less) of to be greener?

We asked for your views on Crystal Palace's 5-2 win over West Ham on Sunday.

Here are some of your answers:

Crystal Palace fans

Mark: Absolutely amazing. Two great wins in a row have given me a lot more confidence for next season. We should have won 5-0. If Olise and Eze had been fit all season we would easily be top 10.

Paul: If that’s a peek into the future under Glasner, then wow!

Peter: Different story when Olise and Eze start. Mateta showing that he's a decent player despite the naysayers. The new manager has realised that. Ward and Ayew are bench at best.

Tresbon: This Palace starting XI posed better teams problems and this feeble, tired West Ham outfit simply melted under the onslaught. Marc Guehi slides back in but where do Lerma and eventually Doucoure go? Not room for both alongside an astonishing Wharton - he has so much time on the ball. Problem for Palace is the second string - Championship players.

West Ham United fans

Alan: Time is running out for David Moyes .This defeat is one of a succession of poor performances. We are too negative, our bench is non-existent and our youngsters are never given a chance. It's time for change.

Mario: I don't think I can put it in to words. Yes we had Europe on Thursday but come on. Not good enough, squad too small, some players need to question their commitment and the manager - enough said. Lots of good things last three years, lots of very bad things. Time for a change.

Bruce: Just how much longer is this farce with Moyes going on? We are now getting thrashed against average teams. Board must wake up to the fact he is out of his depth. Act before this once great club becomes picture of ridicule.

Mark: Another capitulation after an outstanding European game in midweek. One week we can challenge the best, the following week we would find it hard to beat a Championship side. Same old West Ham.

Image source, Getty Images

The Telegraph's Luke Edwards believes there is a danger of West Ham's season "drifting" to its conclusion after the Hammers followed their Europa League exit to Bayer Leverkusen in midweek with a heavy 5-2 defeat at Crystal Palace on Sunday.

"It's just unravelling a little bit this season," he told the Football Daily podcast.

"They've had a wonderful run in Europe but that ended with defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League - narrow as it was and they put up a really good account of themselves.

"When they are lose they seem to lose badly and I think there is a danger now of their season just drifting.

"I think they're beginning to lose a little bit of pace in the race for European places in the league - Manchester United and Newcastle both look in a stronger position - and now there will be these questions over David Moyes.

"His contract is up at the end of the season and there is a sizeable chunk of West Ham supporters who want a change. I think that's harsh but football is a cruel game.

"When people look back on the Moyes era - if it does come to an end this summer - he has brought them some truly remarkable times.

"It's probably the most successful period they've had in the Premier League era but it just looks and feels a little bit like they've reached the end of their shelf life."

Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

Mark Chapman introduces highlights and analysis from Sunday's four Premier League fixtures.

If you missed Match of the Day 2, you can catch up on the action on BBC iPlayer.

And you can watch highlights of Saturday's games here.

Listen back to Sunday's BBC Radio 5 Live and 5 Sports Extra match commentaries in full:

Everton v Nottingham Forest

Fulham v Liverpool

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West Ham boss David Moyes to Sky Sports: "Certainly the 30 minutes was as bad as I can remember any of my West Ham teams playing. It was more than 30 minutes but the first 30 minutes really was atrocious

"We didn't play well, we didn't defend wel, which was was a big thing really.

"We got we deserved and we just didn't really turn up.

On whether playing in Europe on Thursday was a factor: "I make no excuses whatsoever nothing anything. We got praise for our performance in midweek and I praised the players for their performance but I'm certainly not not praising them for anything today

"We were we were so so poor, ridiculously poor. To be a Premier League club you've got to have a bit about you and a lot of games that are difficult.

"This was always gonna be a difficult game. Crystal Palace had done well last week and we had to make sure that we we got into the game and gave ourselves a chance we were so, so bad."

• Crystal Palace’s 5-2 over West Ham was their joint-biggest win in a top-flight London derby (sixth by three goals), and the first time they’ve ever scored five goals against fellow London opposition in the top-flight.

• Both of Crystal Palace’s victories by three goals in the Premier League this season have come under Oliver Glasner (3-0 v Burnley and 5-2 v West Ham). Prior to his arrival, the Eagles had only won one of their previous 71 games in the competition by three or more goals (5-1 v Leeds in April 2023).

• West Ham have only won four of their 21 games across all competitions in 2024 (D8 L9). They have the fifth-lowest win percentage of any Premier League team this year (19%), behind only Burnley (13.3%), Sheffield United (13.3%), Nottingham Forest (15.8%) and Everton (18.8%).

• In what was his 693rd game as a manager in the Premier League, this was the earliest a David Moyes side had ever been 4-0 down in a game in the competition (31st minute – Crystal Palace 4-0 West Ham).

• With a goal and assist today, Crystal Palace’s Michael Olise is the youngest player to have been directly involved in 10+ goals in each of the last two Premier League campaigns (22y 131d – 13 in 2022-23 and 11 in 2023-24).

• Michail Antonio made his 250th Premier League appearance for West Ham, becoming just the third player to reach this milestone for them in the competition, after Mark Noble (414) and Aaron Cresswell (291).

Crystal Palace hit four goals in the first 31 minutes as they thrashed sorry West Ham at Selhurst Park.

Michael Olise opened the scoring when he rose highest to convert Joachim Andersen's lofted ball into the box.

Eberechi Eze then netted a superb bicycle kick from close range and Emerson Palmieri turned into his own net under pressure from Daniel Munoz for Palace's third of the afternoon.

Olise turned provider, squaring the ball across goal for Jean-Philippe Mateta to sidefoot home.

Michail Antonio got in behind his man and poked past home goalkeeper Dean Henderson for a Hammers consolation towards the end of the first half.

But Oliver Glasner's side continued to dominate after the break and Mateta scored again for his ninth league goal of the campaign in an excellent performance from the Eagles.

Tyrick Mitchell scored a late own goal, firing back towards goal without looking and Henderson was unable to stop it finding the back of the net as West Ham cut the deficit to three goals.

Were you at the match or did you follow it from elsewhere?

Palace fans - let us know your thoughts on the game here

How did you rate the side's performance, Hammers fans?

Follow all of the reaction here

There are four Premier League games on Sunday, and we will bring you every moment.

All times are in BST

Listen to BBC radio commentaries of all games and follow live text updates here

Chris Sutton is making predictions for all 380 Premier League matches again this season, against a variety of guests.

For this weekend's games, he takes on singer-songwriter and Arsenal fan Sam Tompkins.

Sutton's prediction: 2-1

Who saw Crystal Palace beating Liverpool? Not me.

It is going to take until next season for Eagles boss Oliver Glasner to really make his mark, but a result like that is a good start.

I don't think it is a huge coincidence that the Eagles put in that performance when they had Eberechi Eze and Michael Olise in the team together. They carry much more of a threat with both of them fit, and it changes my whole way of thinking when I am predicting Palace games.

Palace have a classy player in midfield too in Adam Wharton - I saw enough of him at my old club Blackburn to be impressed and I love the way he knits things together so effortlessly.

Wharton is not the fastest but the first three yards are in his head and he just sees things quicker than most people. He can still improve some aspects of his game but he has only just turned 20 and looks like a shrewd piece of business by the Eagles.

As for West Ham, well they have got an uphill struggle to stay in the Europa League on Thursday, and they have got a fight on their hands to qualify for Europe again next season.

There is the danger the Hammers' season could fizzle out, although I don't think it will.

Sam's prediction: 2-1

I've got to back Palace here. My girlfriend's mum is a huge Palace supporter and if I don't say they will win, I will never be allowed back in the family home. They have also just beaten Liverpool so their morale should quite high.

Read the rest of their predictions here

Image source, Getty Images

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner is pleased to have the chance to stand opposite West Ham boss David Moyes once again, when the Eagles host the Hammers on Sunday (15:00 BST).

Glasner last faced Moyes when Eintracht Frankfurt defeated West Ham in the semi-finals of the 2022 Europa League.

"[He’s been] brilliant," said the Austrian in his news conference on Friday.

"They were in the quarter-finals of the Europa League this season. They won the Conference League last season. The season before, they were in the semi-finals of the Europa League. I don't know their exact [league] positions in the last years, but yes, it's a very good team and he's a very experienced manager.

"We had two very tough games against them when I was manager of Eintracht Frankfurt in the Europa League. Of course, I have very good memories because we won both games. But it was two years ago and one different team.

"For us [Palace], it's important to look at what we want to do, to perform at our best level and to win the game. This is what we were talking about – and also not talking about winning, but talking about what we have to do, what we want to do. This was the headline of the whole week."

Don't be upset because it's over, smile because it happened.

Because for West Ham, it really did happen.

Back in September 2021, we walked out against Dinamo Zagreb in our first group stage European campaign with absolutely zero expectations.

Since then, we have won three groups, gone an entire European campaign unbeaten, reached three consecutive quarter-finals, two semi-finals and, of course, lifted European silverware.

Not a single person - West Ham fan or not - saw any of that coming. If you did, I want to know what this weekend's lottery numbers are, please.

The win over Sevilla, those nights in Lyon and Prague, last night against Leverkusen... the memories, oh the memories, will never fade and die, unlike our dreams, which also happened to come true on this wonderful, unbelievable and unthinkable European tour.

It ended against a Leverkusen side that is arguably the best team in Europe right now. We could not beat them, but no one has this season.

That's OK, because Thursday night at London Stadium felt different. The effort those players put in made sure it will go down as 'one of those nights under the lights' forever more. We didn't win but we didn't lose.

All we ever demand from the players is effort. We got that last night - and then some.

It was a truly magnificent performance that we must all be proud of. Most of the fans stayed after the final whistle to give the team a standing ovation. It was a mark of respect, acknowledgement and thanks for what that group, David Moyes included, has given us over the last three years.

Hopefully our European love affair continues into a fourth season but, if it does not, we should look back on it with a smile.

For three years West Ham were well and truly massive. And we made sure the rest of Europe knew about it.

James can be found at We Are West Ham, external