Nine-game statistic highlights how Hammers defence has misfired | West Ham News

The lack of structure, stability and solidity at West Ham United – particularly in defence – has been blamed for much of the club’s current crisis. On their fourth manager inside two years, many of the senior players have seen multiple coaching regimes, training and playing styles as each new boss has packed up and been replaced: Hardly a recipe for success.

One statistic that leapt from the page this weekend was the lack of continuity in defence: In an interview with Hammers’ stand-in captain Dinos Mavropanos who was starting his 90th game in claret and blue, the centre back’s pride at wearing the armband was clear:

“It’s an absolute honour to captain this Club, this team. It’s a special day for me as well.”

But it was the statistic quoted alongside his words that really stood out, as it was confirmed that his current nine game run in the side was his longest ever.

It epitomises the constant change that has eroded confidence and solidity at West Ham. Surely a settled defence would be the foundation of a strong team performance and the endless chopping and changing – largely brought about through lack of quality in the available options – has taken its toll on the side who are still stuck within the Premier League’s relegation zone.

With twelve games to go and barring injury, the Hammers do finally look to have found a pairing between a much improved Dinos and Axel Disasi who can see the season through to it’s climax. If Mavropanos gets to complete a 21 game run in the side, on his recent showing, there’s hopefully a collection of Premier League clean sheets heading his way too.