Steve McManaman blown away by Angelo Ogbonna moment in West Ham win v Everton
Steve McManaman was blown away by West Ham United defender Angelo Ogbonna in the 1-0 win over Everton on Friday evening.
The Italian was everywhere at Goodison Park and was critical to blunting the danger that the Toffees bring from set-pieces in their games.
Yerry Mina looked certain to open the scoring in Merseyside in the second-half, but Ogbonna came out of nowhere to win a great header and clear the ball – something McManaman couldn’t help but praise.
Speaking of live coverage of the game on BT Sport on Friday, McManaman was full of praise for Ogbonna in the second-half.
“Lovely header, and another great header, you see them high fiving him, Dawson and Creswell – rightly so.
“Yerry Mina was picked up by Cresswell, of course, he gets away from him, but Ogbonna says ‘have some of that’ and attacking the ball yet again.
“It’s really good defensive play.”
Ogbonna has been world-class this season.
David Moyes has changed system to a back-five, and the one player who has been a constant in that is the Italian enforcer.
The defender has often been the one to step up with vital goals against the likes of Fulham, Aston Villa and Leeds, but this was an occasion where he most likely saved one.
The 32-year-old has averaged over four clearances per game – something that only Fabian Balbuena can beat out of players who have started more than five times [WhoScored].
Ogbonna is vital to any hopes of European football this season, and long may his influence in both boxes continue in the Premier League.
In other West Ham United news, Irons fans react to Lukasz Fabianski injury blow v Everton