Anthony Onifade

Thu 4 May 2023 7:40, UK

BBC Sport pundit Clinton Morrison was left raging at the “terrible” West Ham United defending for Nathan Ake’s opener in their Premier League clash against Manchester City on Wednesday [3 May].

The Hammers had the chance to pull seven points clear of the relegation zone when they faced a difficult test against a Premier League title-chasing City at the Etihad.

After going in at half-time 0-0 with some resolute and assured defending, West Ham United found themselves behind four minutes after the break after Ake easily headed in a Riyad Mahrez set-piece.

And Morrison, speaking live on BBC Radio 5 Live [3 May] did not hold back on his criticism at what he saw for the Manchester City goal.

He said: “West Ham will be disappointed. If you are going to come to City you don’t want to be beaten by a set-piece.

“It’s terrible defending and it’s a free header. It’s basic.”

Disappointing

West Ham United were superb in the first half, resisting everything Manchester City had to offer them but immediately let themselves down with some poor and lacklustre defending for a set-piece routine they have proven strong in all season. How Ake was allowed so much room to head into the net was simply not good enough.

David Moyes will have been disappointed at the way his side threw away such good work in the first half and to do it immediately after the break certainly gave them such a tough task to get claim anything back from the game.

However, the Hammers can certainly take some heart at their overall performance in such difficult circumstances, losing key players such as Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Nayef Aguerd before the game.

With Manchester United coming up on Sunday and hopefully having their injured stars back for the game, West Ham United can certainly take some confidence heading into the game.

But, Moyes will be demanding his players to be switched on at all costs, especially if they are to confirm their Premier League status for next season.