Julen Lopetegui wasn't surprised with Danny Ings equaliser
By Rahul Das
At the beginning of the new season, Danny Ings wasn't expected to get significant playing time as the centre forward following the arrivals of Niclas Fullkrug and left winger Cryscencio Summerville in the summer transfer window. Therefore, the experienced English forward was expected to be the third choice striker for Julen Lopetegui's side and would mostly play in the Carabao Cup and FA Cup matches to provide some rest to the first team forwards. However, Ings has managed to score his first goal in the new season quickly as compared to the other two forwards with Michail Antonio struggling to score goals in the Premier League and Fullkrug currently recovering from his injury.
Although he is not the long term number nine for West Ham and was rumoured to leave the Hammers as well this summer, Ings can be a good option for Julen Lopetegui’s side in the next few matches which will give Fullkrug some time to adapt to the team and the Premier League. After his 1-1 equalising goal in the away fixture, manager Julen Lopetegui spoke about the forward revealing that he wasn't surprised, saying,
Julen Lopetegui wasn't surprised with Danny Ings equaliser
"Unexpected? No, he’s our striker and that’s why he plays."
- Julen Lopetegui
This suggests that Ings can be a quality striker for West Ham in this season despite his inconsistent performances since arriving at the London Stadium. Further, Jarrod Bowen also heaped praise on Ings and revealed that he admires his quality in training as well as matches. Therefore, Ings is now highly likely to get more playing time and could be the starting striker for the Hammers as well against Chelsea in the next Premier League match.
Next. Niclas Fullkrug opens up on his decision to join West Ham in this transfer window. Niclas Fullkrug opens up on his decision to join West Ham in this transfer window. dark
Now it remains to be seen whether manager Julen Lopetegui gives him his first Premier League start of the season in the upcoming home match. This goal has given Ings a huge boost and he would want to continue his good momentum by finding the back of the net against Chelsea as well.
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