4 of the biggest mistakes Manuel Pellegrini has made at West Ham this season

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West Ham United have been in particularly poor form of late.

Having gone seven games without a win in all competitions, the pressure is mounting on Manuel Pellegrini.

The Chilean’s side do remain just four points off Sheffield United in fifth, but the fact is they now lie 16th and some fans aren’t happy with what they’ve been seeing.

Here are four of the biggest mistakes Pellegrini has made at West Ham this season:

Breaking up Diop and Ogbonna

One of the main factors behind West Ham’s positive start to the 2019/20 season was the form of Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna at the back.

The pair’s relationship had been blossoming and at one point the Hammers had strung three straight clean sheets together – which is certainly a rarity for the Irons.

But recently, Pellegrini strangely felt compelled to get Fabian Balbuena back into the side at Ogbonna’s expense, and they simply haven’t looked the same since.

Isolating Haller

Club-record signing Sebastien Haller dazzled in a partnership with Luka Jovic last term, but has been deployed as a loan striker so far by Pellegrini.

He made a bright start but has tailed off dramatically, and it is clear the creative Frenchman flourishes with someone alongside him.

Goalkeeping issues

Lukasz Fabianski is arguably the best goalkeeper outside of the traditional top six, and his injury absence was always going to be a massive loss.

But there are serious question marks over the capabilities of deputy Roberto after some dodgy displays in recent weeks.

Perhaps he’ll turn out OK, but right now the signs do not look good regarding the Spaniard, who is a major downgrade on former stopper Adrian.

At this point, it might be a mistake to continue fielding him ahead of other summer signing David Martin.

Ignoring Holland

Young Nathan Holland must be wondering what more he has to do to get a shot with the first-team.

Pellegrini’s team couldn’t be doing much worse right now, and there is a clear need for fresh impetus.

With the transfer window closed, Holland is surely worth a go after eight goals and four assists so far this season.

Felipe Anderson could do with some competition and the 21-year-old could well be the man to provide that.