Amidst the Lucas Paquetá-induced fury today there are elements of Nuno Espirito Santo’s Hammers’ performance that almost slipped under the radar. Changes to the starting eleven saw Soungoutou Magassa get a start whilst, controversially, the Hammers boss left out £40 million Lopetegui signing Maximilian Kilman: The defender who has seemed almost an ever-present under three different Hammers head coaches found himself unceremoniously benched.
Fit again Mavropanos actually did a half – decent job but had the usual errors – missing his header for the second Liverpool goal proved crucial but there’s no real likelihood that Kilman would have done any better, such are the mediocrity of West Ham’s starting centre back performances the season.
When pressed after the game on the rationale behind Kilman’s absence from the team, the head coach produced one of his now customary inscrutable answers:
“There are many reasons behind that: The schedule, Dino has had an injury, has recovered and is working well, having [to] schedule players ahead of a quick turnaround. We are going to need all the players in the squad.
“Nothing… just a decision. I think Dino competed well.”
Kilman likely to be recalled owing to the quick turnaround for the Manchester United game
No injury then, just ‘a decision‘: With the quick turnaround of another game just three days on, Nuno’s words would suggest that Kilman will be back in the frame for a start against Manchester United. Neither of the duo show the signs of improving their game that have been clear from the Hammers’ third centre back Jean-Clair Todibo who was pretty again yesterday.
Todibo appears to have upped his game – and his fitness – in a way that the other centre back pair urgently need to follow. Neither option looks capable or partnering ‘JCT’ to the much desired clean sheet defensive shutout on Thursday, whether it be Kilman or Mavropanos who get the nod from their manager.
The big Greek is a far better bet than Kilman . They both can make a mistake but Kilman is inept 90% of the time . The big Greek is a far better defender most of the time . Igor should be next in line NOT KIlman who has had multiple opportunities to justify the ridiculous fee ( not his fault !! ) and has shown that he is nowhere good enough for Prem league .
Can’t defend or score goals, either – recipe for disaster !
Incredible how we have amassed so many second rate players for huge sums of money.
Board incompetence at a level never seen before…..
Every team seems to be erratic at the moment…Win one…Lose one ..draw one etc…
Perhaps benching Kilman will sharpen his concentration for Man U.
I agree, both Kilman and Mavropanos miss far too many headers for premier league centre halves. We never look like keeping a clean sheet when either or both of them play. Neither of them have any heart when defending, they lack the determination and grit to keep the ball out of their net at any cost. Billy Bonds or Alvin Martin would not be conceding silly, cheap goals the way we do
If the defence improves and we get the attack right we will be getting points a plenty . Come on lads yesterday lacked that closing down , running in on & off the ball . Let’s see that energy again and never say die mentality . Look forward not back believe in yourselves and win the next game . COYI ⚒
to think we spent 60m between mavrapanos and Kilman
mind boggling..
both championship players, just.
Mavrapanos cost us BOTH goals. All Isak had to do was stand still for their first goal as Dinos stood and watched. For the second goal he completely missed a header giving Gakpo an open goal. He and Kilman are simply not good enough
Totally agree with you Tony Mav was at fault for both goals. Unfortunately he does well then seems to make these mistakes regularly