Kevin Nolan slams 'poor' Max Kilman after what West Ham United star did v Liverpool

Kevin Nolan has slammed Max Kilman after his "poor" defending against Liverpool as West Ham United lost in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night.

Kilman was blamed for the hosts' equalising goal by Diogo Jota in the first half, which led to the Reds going on to thrash Julen Lopetegui's side 5-1 at Anfield.

The Hammers are now eliminated from the Carabao Cup, and head to Brentford having won one in five in the Premier League this weekend.

Nolan, speaking live on Sky Sports [25 September, 22:06], said: "You can see that front-post run by Jota, and it gets him the goal really.

"Poor defending I thought again by West Ham, and Max Kilman."

West Ham United defensive woes continue

West Ham have conceded nine in the league this season, and shipped five on Wednesday night - it's not a good look for a club who invested so meaningfully into their backline ahead of this season.

Kilman was brought in early in the window as the defensive star turn, as he and Jean-Clair Todibo were both signed alongside Aaron Wan-Bissaka; the likes of Kurt Zouma, Nayef Aguerd and Angelo Ogbonna all departed.

But it has been far from plain sailing, with uninspiring defensive displays from Julen Lopetegui's side - Konstantinos Mavropanos has had a very shaky start having often been preferred to Todibo, deemed not to be fit enough yet.

While the Hammers shouldn't let a comprehensive cup beating from Liverpool define them, it does ring alarm bells as to how freely the Reds were allowed to create chances and score in midweek.

A Brentford side whose attack has been blunted by the departure of Ivan Toney and the injury to Yoane Wissa lies in wait next, as the Irons could really do with a clean sheet and disciplined performance.

In other West Ham news, Jamie Carragher's wrath at Edson Alvarez's red card.

For more West Ham news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.