BT Sport pundit takes aim at ‘rash’ West Ham ace Issa Diop
Lucy Ward has slammed West Ham defender Issa Diop for his rash defending in the big win over Lyon in the Europa League.
The Frenchman started the game due to Kurt Zouma’s absence with the Irons stalwart missing out through injury.
The 25-year-old was booked after a “rash” tackle on Moussa Dembele as the Ligue 1 outfit looked to hurt the Hammers on the counterattack.
Ward said live on BT Sport [April 14, 20:20]: “Dragged out wide where no centre-back wants to be and he didn’t need to make that challenge
“It’s rash, isn’t it? Just hold him off.”
Clinical
Moyes pulled off an absolute tactical masterclass as West Ham breezed past Lyon 3-0 (4-1 on aggregate).
It was a very mismatched first-half for Diop. At times he looked calm and collected at the back, dealing with balls into the box excellently whilst dominating the Lyon attackers.
But minutes later the former Toulouse ace was slicing clearances and making poor tackles whilst being dragged way out wide.
He is no Zouma but David Moyes had no choice but to start the centre-back and the Scot would have been very relieved as Diop settled down to have a very good game despite his frantic start.
He played a vital role in the win and in keeping a vital clean sheet away from home and the Hammers truly deserved the win.
They can now look forward to a massive semi-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt where they will look to book their place in the final in Seville.
In other West Ham news, View: Michail Antonio shares an embarrassing celebration story ahead of the Lyon clash.
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