West Ham United may have failed to convert any of their 20 shots against AFC Bournemouth, but the 0-0 draw continues the upward trend of defensive performances for the Hammers. Since the beginning of February, Nuno Espirito Santo’s team have kept two clean sheets in their last three games, picking up five points in the process.
Axel Disasi joined on-loan from Chelsea the end of the window and has slotted into the backline. Partnering Konstantinos Mavropanos, West Ham look to have found their defensive partnership. Mads Hermansen has returned the starting goalkeeper position, joining in on the act in helping the Irons improve their defensive record.
“Fighting spirit”
Speaking to The Athletic, the 25-year-old shot stopper has praised the back two, saying they have helped him improve alongside the entire defence:
“They’ve been solid and they are dominating games they’re playing,” goalkeeper Hermansen said. “It looks and feels natural to be part of as well. We train together every day, we talk football and how we can improve together. The team want to build on this and get better.
“Of course we want more but we need to look at the positives. We created a lot of good chances, kept a clean sheet and looked solid at the back. We know we can defend well and if we keep doing this then we have better chances to win. This fighting spirit is what we love to see. We do everything we can to defend the goal and we celebrate tackles like we celebrate goals.
“We have Liverpool next (on Saturday) and it’s always a good opportunity to show who we are as a team, to stand together and have some memorable games. The guy’s need to focus on one game at a time and get as many points as possible.”
West Ham’s defensive trio
West Ham’s defensive trio of Disasi, Mavropanos and Hermansen has been key to the turnaround. Hermansen’s ability to command his box is down to the confidence the shot stopper has in his central defender.
Likewise, the Dane’s commanding influence has in turn helped Disasi and Mavropanos. The two central defenders have been key in everything West Ham have done recently. The trio have become a calming influence in a difficult relegation battle.
Disasi in particular has impressed the most, slotting in immediately after joining the Irons. The 27-year-old has kept fellow countryman, Jean-Clair Todibo out of the side, after he returned from suspension last week.
