West Ham fans fed up of Pablo Zabaleta after Crystal Palace performance

By Dom Toner

Pablo Zabaleta was recalled to the West Ham team for the defeat to Crystal Palace on Boxing Day – and some of the club’s supporters on Twitter fumed with the defender for his performance.

The 34-year-old was back in the Hammers XI due to the absence of first-choice right-back Ryan Fredericks through suspension.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side ended up losing 2-1 against Palace, despite an opening strike from Robert Snodgrass to put them in front.

Ex-West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate levelled the match with his goal and Jordan Ayew netted a stunning individual effort in the 90th minute.

West Ham are only a point above the relegation places as it stands and they host second-placed Leicester City tomorrow (Saturday) in the league.

(Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)

A selection of West Ham supporters on social media were critical of Zabaleta following his display.

The Argentine veteran has been a quality servant to the Premier League from his time with Manchester City, but will be turning 35 in January and his days are surely numbered.

He was tormented by Palace’s Wilfried Zaha and fans pointed towards the amount of times he was caught out of position.

His contract expires at the end of the season at the London Stadium and it will be intriguing to see the outcome of his future.

Here are some West Ham fans on Zabaleta: