Exclusive: McAvennie points to Dawson arrival as turning point for West Ham defence
We’re delighted to welcome former West Ham United striker Frank McAvennie as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at the London Stadium…
Craig Dawson has failed to make a first-team appearance for West Ham since arriving at the London Stadium on loan from Watford in October.
On Friday, the 30-year-old ex-West Brom defender was named in David Moyes’ matchday squad for the first time but failed to come off the bench in the 2-1 win against Leeds at Elland Road.
However, although Dawson isn’t being utilised by Moyes, Frank McAvennie has claimed the defender’s arrival at the London Stadium has had a positive impact on those above him in the pecking order.
Moyes has named a back-three of Angelo Ogbonna, Fabian Balbuena and Aaron Cresswell for most matches this season.
Even though he was forced to play a back-four against Leeds due to Arthur Masuaku’s injury, the same defenders remained in the starting line-up.
McAvennie believes that the likes of Cresswell have upped their game because they have an experienced Premier League defender in Dawson breathing down their necks for a spot in the side.
“I don’t know what’s happened,” McAvennie told West Ham Zone. “Once again, we don’t know who signed him.
“I thought Dawson had done alright in the past so I don’t know what’s happened but when people are fighting you for your place, you have to step up to the mark. Maybe that’s what the defenders have done and not given him a chance.
“If he gets into the side, I think he’ll stay in because he’s a decent player.”
“I’ve given Cresswell stick before but you put your hands up and say he’s done very well playing in that back-three. It’s working for the boy but he also knows people can come in.
“I can’t stress enough how great competition is for a football club because you’ve got to be at your level.”
West Ham’s defence has been very hard to beat this season.
According to stats by WyScout, no team has made more interceptions [599] or been in more aerial duels [523] than the Hammers in the Premier League this season while the Irons also rank seventh for defensive duels [756].
Moyes has figured out how to get this team to stop leaking goals.
Although the Irons have kept just four clean sheets in 12 games, they’re not getting rolled over by teams, which is very important given how the side has performed in recent years.
In other West Ham news, Sebastien Haller had a night to forget against Leeds on Friday.