James Collins rages at Angelo Ogbonna after what he did in 3-1 West Ham United win v Backa Topla
BBC pundit James Collins was left raging at West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna after his terrible mistake in their 3-1 Europa League win over Backa Topla on Thursday.
The Hammers kicked off their Europa League aspirations on home turf to the Serbian side and were in complete control in the first half before the Italian international’s dreadful mistake early in the second half which gave Topola a surprise lead.
The former Juventus defender was far too casual on the ball on the halfway line and was hesitant before being tacked by Petar Stanic who was through on goal and expertly placed his shot past Lukasz Fabianski.
And speaking live on BBC Radio Five Live commentary of the game [21 September, 9:14pm], Collins was left raging at Ogbonna’s error.
He said: “Angelo Ogbonna has had an absolute shocker.
“Doesn’t know whether to go back to the goalkeeper, ends up slipping and trying to bring down the striker Stanic, and you have to say it’s a great finish.
“Backa Topola have deserved it. The last ten minutes of the first half and certainly the start of this second half they were the better team, and had the better chances.”
Luckily bailed out
Ogbonna is usually so calm and assured in possession for West Ham United and this latest mistake was certainly uncharacteristic of him but that’s what happens when you’re the last man back while being so hesitant and lacklustre in possession.
You get punished and that’s what the Italian defender suffered in that crucial moment. However, he was lucky to have summer signing Mohammed Kudus bail him out with two goals and the Ghanaian international will be getting plenty of adulation from Ogbonna for saving his bacon.
The Italian international certainly won’t be impressed once he looks over his mistake again and given his experience and know-how at this level, it’s one he’d quickly want to forget.
After a very nervy scare, the Hammers eventually ran out comfortable winners on the night thanks to brilliance from James Ward-Prowse and Mohammed Kudus. The Ogbonna mistake is certainly in the rear view mirror.