Almost eclipsed by the four-goal headlines yesterday in the defeat of Wolves was the chalking up of another clean sheet for Mads Hermansen and West Ham’s remodelled defence.
Since loanee Axel Disasi arrived on deadline day, the centre-back pairing of the Chelsea defender and West Ham’s Mavropanos has been truly inspiring to watch as it has evolved into one of the most reliable in the Premier League.
The Greek’s metamorphosis from ‘Mavropanic’ into ‘Mighty Mav‘ has been remarkable to watch: Despite three head injuries in recent weeks Dinos has bounced back and now scores crucial goals- as well as pulling off goal line blocks galore: The duo have been a breath of fresh air alike for both fans and team mates.
For Mads Hermansen operating behind the pair, a fifth clean sheet, despite the alarm of seeing Angel Gomes’ free kick cannon off his post, means that the Dane has equalled Lucas Fabianski’s record from 2020 of five clean sheets in ten games: (Although strictly true, this record is somewhat tenuous, Hermansen being dropped and missing for three months in the middle of his ten game run).
Hermansen – five clean sheets in ten games
What is clear is that the contrast between West Ham’s two senior goal keepers cannot be luck alone: Areola now has zero shut outs in twenty compared with Hermansen’s five in ten games this season. This from the same Hermansen who wanted a loan move away in January, such was his disillusionment with life in London.
“It’s a perfect day for a goalkeeper, and for me personally to play again,” our No1 said in February upon his recall to the starting eleven; “It’s been a long period of hard work, and trying to show what I can do in training, so it was lovely to get the chance today and I’m really happy to get a clean sheet.” … I’ll bet he’s ‘quietly content’ with his lot, showing his typical Danish restraint that would more than likely see any other keeper ‘buzzing’.
“Clean sheet Mads’ seems to be winning over the doubters.
Just goes to show people were wrong about Hermanson as they were about Mavropanos. As Chelsea fans were about Disasi. Some players become scapegoats at certain clubs. As it is I don’t think Kilman is half the bad player people make him out to be. He came with a big price tag and I don’t think that’s helped him. I’m pretty sure there’s a good defender in there but the crowds not behind him and it makes things nervy for him. I think he will probably need, like Disasi to go somewhere else to prove his value.