Jean-Clair Todibo made an impressive return to West Ham’s first team on Wednesday following a spell on the sidelines.
The £45 million central defender had to serve a three-match suspension after his dismissal for violent conduct in the 3–2 defeat against Chelsea. Such had been the Frenchman’s form beforehand that it was widely assumed he would slot straight back into Nuno Espírito Santo’s starting XI.
However, in his absence something rather unusual began to happen in the Hammers’ defence — they stopped conceding goals.
As a result, Todibo initially found it difficult to regain his place in the starting line-up, with Konstantinos Mavropanos and Axel Disasi forming a surprisingly solid partnership at the back.
Disasi signing has been bad news for Kilman
West Ham Suddenly Have Defensive Strength in Depth
48 hours ago, though, Nuno drafted Todibo back into the side to face Fulham at Craven Cottage — and the defender did not disappoint.
His return now gives West Ham something of an embarrassment of riches in central defence, with all three players capable of playing a key role in a back line that has finally begun to keep clean sheets.
Just as importantly, the improvement means the Hammers are no longer forced to rely on Max Kilman, who has struggled to deliver consistently this season.
Against Fulham, Todibo and Disasi looked as though they had been playing alongside each other for years. That said, the same could be argued when Mavropanos partnered the Chelsea loanee.
Which perhaps suggests the common denominator is Disasi himself, who has been a revelation since arriving on loan from Chelsea.
Nuno now has genuine quality options in central defence — a welcome luxury at this stage of the season.
It’s just a shame West Ham don’t have that same depth when it comes to strikers
Unfortunately I’m currently in the process of finding the ideal condiment to compliment a hat as when we were both linked with and then signed Disasi, I believed that he’d add nothing to our defence and said I’d eat my hat if he turned out decent.
On the plus side, I didn’t do what that Welsh rugby fan done when he said he’d cut off his own testicles if they beat England… and did.
HP Brown Sauce can really help turn a lot bad cooking (speaking from experience) into something passable.
Anytime.
Yes, you seem to have it all worked out, Gonzo. But how do you explain the 5-2 capitulation at Anfield, particularly in the first half? And, have we got ourselves a set-piece coach yet?
“You seem to have it all worked out Gonzo” ?
Not up for all the patronising nonsense mate. Read it, don’t read it, I don’t really care but that’s the second dig today. I’m pretty happy with the turnaround at West Ham currently and can’t really be arsed with all that nonsense.
Wish we could like comments , cos i would definitely be liking that one lol
Don’t worry Gonzo you do a great job and we’re all grateful that you do.
As for 5-2 I thought we didn’t play too badly and the result was harsh-seem to remember a few deflected goals.
And….Nuno has been in charge for exactly how long? What do we expect, miracles?
Sorry Gonzo, that is definitely NOT how I meant that line to be interpreted! I was not being sarcastic so maybe I should have used different words. Or perhaps added “and I agree.) I just wanted to ask you why you think our good defensive form suddenly went out the window against Liverpool after previously looking strong against set-pieces. And, yes, I’m still wondering if we have, or are getting, a set-piece coach.
I get that your job comes with some stress so I do understand your reaction. Once again, sorry, I’ll have to think more carefully in my phrasing.
Looks like a brilliant piece of business following diligent homework to engage the services of Axel Disasi.
Well done the recruitment team. At last. Now keep it up. Nuno is having a terrific effect.
Keep this up and we will be purring in a couple of seasons.
COYI
Hello Taffyhammer – I’m also looking forward to the future if manager + Jimez + main players are around, because some of the football being played is good to watch especially full out when 4 upfront. Tactical switch to a 3-man midfield by NES against Fulham won the game (for me). Compare that to the recent run of managers who tactically have been trounced or passive. Good to see.
Still concerned about pretty bad 1st half against Fulham, team not performing over 90 mins, but perhaps that is me jumping the gun and missing the point that this does not happen overnight, with so many competitive games.
Sounds like an excellent appraisal.
Need to stay clear of injuries easier said than done.