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

West Ham United manager Julen Lopetegui has apologised to supporters following their 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, but is confident there will be “better moments” in the future. West Ham conceded three goals in eight minutes and Mohammed Kudus was sent off for violent conduct after shoving Micky van de Ven and Pape Mate Sarr in the face.