Chairman David Sullivan’s decision this summer to hire a head coach of as much renown as Lopetegui to replace Moyes was born of the club’s ambition to kick on after three successive seasons in Europe spent pushing England’s top clubs in the league but with a style of play sometimes deemed risk-averse and, at its most criticised, backward.

Julen Lopetegui and Erik ten Hag are both under increasing pressure at their respective clubs as the two coaches prepare to lock horns on Sunday at the London Stadium

Sacking season is approaching in the Premier League, with West Ham among a quintet performing well below expectations