West Ham United continued to show their improvements as they help Manchester City to a 1-1 draw at the London Stadium. The Hammers secured the huge point thanks to their incredible defence, a feature that has been huge for the team since going into 2026.
Nuno Espirito Santo’s team are more together than ever and it showed on Saturday night. West Ham survived wave after wave of City attacks, showing they are not to be taken lightly when it comes to scoring against this Irons team.
Goalkeeper Mads Hermansen, who has been at the heart of the defensive improvements, told the club’s official website that the togetherness of the group, is why they will continue improving:
“It was a tough game, mentally and physically, a tough game. A lot of metres running after the ball. Man City are just amazing at keeping the ball, finding the spaces that we leave. A lot of amazing work from the guys.
“We also spoke about it at half-time. Yes, they had a lot of possession, but they didn’t really break us, so it was important that we kept closing down those spaces, and I think we did.
“Of course, they have individual qualities. They break through in some moments on the wings, but we defended so well. It was lovely to be a part of.
“I think it goes well with what I said about them being amazing at keeping the ball. It’s tough to chase, especially if you’re down.
“I think Man City are so good at using their lead. It was so important that we got this goal from Dinos.
“I have to deal with every situation as it is. I was happy with my handling and the one shot from Rayan Cherki [that I tipped onto the crossbar]. I had some good saves on the way as well.
“I think what we have improved the most is our ability to play as a team. and our ability to be on the same page in everything we do.
“Of course, we work hard, everybody does, to improve. But one thing is working in the right direction as well. I think, especially on that point, we’ve been moving really, really strongly together.
“Also, we deal with our individual situations during the game much better. I just think we’ve improved so much in that way.”
West Ham’s defensive stability
Since the installation of Paco Jemez in January, West Ham have improved week-on-week but nowhere more so than in defence. The group not only look together but look stable, in control and formidable, especially in Premier League games.
Hermansen is part of this and acknowledges the defenders in front of him give him stability between the sticks, including how happy he was for Konstantinos Mavropanos, who scored the equalizer:
“It surprised me a bit that he’s only scored two (Premier League goals) actually, when he’s so amazing in the air!
“I’m happy for him. We all are, and it was an important point for the team.
“Apart from the good performance and the good feeling of delivering a good performance, we haven’t changed anything. We’re still not where we need to be, and we have eight games to go. So, there’s absolutely no time to rest. We have to keep going, keep working hard.”
