Kris Boyd gushes over ‘Brilliant’ Max Kilman moment in West Ham United v Crystal Palace
Kris Boyd was amazed by new signing Max Kilman as West Ham secured a 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace on Saturday (24 August).
The 27-year-old arrived at the London Stadium from Wolves on a £40million deal [BBC Sport], with the centre-back claiming his first goal contribution for the Hammers as Jarrod Bowen doubled the lead.
For all of Palace’s opportunities, Julen Lopetegui’s men opened the scoring through Tomas Soucek on the counterattack before Bowen put the cherry on the cake, mainly thanks to Kilman’s intervention.
Speaking live via Sky Sports on Saturday (24 August, 4:28pm), Boyd said: “It’s brilliant from Max Kilman. First of all, he stops the Crystal Palace attack, stepping into the middle of the pitch before releasing Bowen just inside his own half.
“He runs the full length of the pitch, cuts back onto his left-hand side and smashes the ball past [Dean] Henderson. 2-0 – game over. What a counterattack this is.”
Max Kilman thriving under Julen Lopetegui at West Ham United
West Ham’s defence was often the subject of a lot of criticism last season, with David Moyes’ final campaign in charge at the London Stadium ending on a sour note.
The Hammers were calling out for a leader to emerge in the backline, having only conceded fewer goals than Luton Town, Burnley and Sheffield United in the league.
Even with the talents of Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Konstantinos Mavropanos, and the now departed Angelo Ogbonna, a figure failed to step up to the plate, but Lopetegui looks to have found that in Kilman.
Although Bowen is the new captain, the 27-year-old centre-back is the leader that the Hammers have been crying out for in defence, who has now made it abundantly clear that he has a forward-thinking mind.
Claiming all three points against the Eagles at Selhurst Park was vital, especially after the disappointing 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa to start the season, and Kilman made sure the points were safe after setting Bowen free at Henderson.
In other West Ham news, Sam Allardyce has hit out at unbelievably terrible things said about the Hammers.
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