Frank McAvennie defends ‘Magnificent’ West Ham centre-back Craig Dawson
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…
Frank McAvennie has leapt to the defence of Craig Dawson after he was sent off in West Ham’s defeat to Newcastle last week.
Dawson, 30, was widely heralded as one of David Moyes’ best West Ham signings up until the last few weeks when he’s scored two own goals and was booked twice in the 3-2 loss to Newcastle.
The former West Brom defender, who’s joining permanently from Watford in the summer, has attracted criticism with one of our West Ham Super Fans blasting his “stinker” versus the Magpies.
McAvennie believes that Dawson has been unfortunate in recent weeks and says Moyes will be willing to mute any criticism of his own.
Speaking to West Ham Zone, the ex-striker said: “Listen, defenders score own goals and it’s one of them where you say, ‘yeah you were in the right place to clear it’. There are lots of things.
“We can cut him some slack because he’s been magnificent. He’s been a great signing, I think David will cut him some slack.”
Dawson has made 17 Premier League appearances since joining West Ham on loan from Watford, scoring three goals in the process.
According to stats by Wyscout, he’s won 69.97 per cent of aerial duels in his own penalty area in the Premier League this term, which ranks him 11th for outfield players.
However, he’s averaged fewer interceptions per 90 minutes than Fabian Balbuena and has a lower success rate in defensive duels than Balbuena and Issa Diop.
It’s not the end of the world for Dawson to be suspended this weekend, especially with Chelsea’s form stuttering.
In other West Ham news, the Irons are interested in this “sensational” goalkeeper playing at a Premier League club.
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