Angelo Ogbonna may be passed it – Three things learned in West Ham United v Olympiakos
After 17 matches, West Ham United saw their unbeaten European run finally come to an end on Thursday night (26 October) as Olympiakos beat David Moyes’s side 2-1.
The home side took the lead midway through the first half as Kostas Fortounis struck from just outside the box before Rodinei doubled the lead courtesy of a large deflection from Angelo Ogbonna in the final moments of the opening period.
A late goal from substitute Lucas Paqueta gave the Hammers hope of salvaging a point, but it was too little too late from Moyes’ men as they dropped points for the first time in Europe this season and made it three games without a win in all competitions.
Here’s what West Ham Zone learned from the Irons’ defeat.
Ogbonna may be finished
This season has seen Ogbonna play a reduced role in the Premier League for West Ham, with the Italian defender only starting one league game so far this season, but he has played regularly in the Europa League, starting two of the three games so far.
But in both games, the 35-year-old has cost his team a goal, falling over in the Hammers’ win over TSC Backa Topola back in September to allow them to take the lead and on Thursday he steered what was a regulation cross from Rodinei past Alphonse Areola in the Irons’ net.
He could have done with a shout from his goalkeeper but a player of Ogbonna’s experience shouldn’t be panicking like that in such a crucial moment of the match. Moyes may have to leave him out of West Ham’s next Europa League match.
Can’t always rely on Ward-Prowse
James Ward-Prowse has been widely recognised as one of the best signings in the Premier League this season, with the former Southampton midfielder taking to life at the London Stadium like a duck to water having already registered five goal contributions in eight matches.
But Thursday’s defeat was evidence that the 28-year-old isn’t completely faultless as he put in the most indifferent performance of his time in claret and blue. Although 88 per cent of his passes were accurate in Greece, the midfielder only completed one of his six attempted crosses and misplaced both of his long passes [Fotmob].
While supporters and Moyes would have liked the England international to continue his excellent form, hopefully, they have been reminded that they cannot always rely on him to get them out of trouble with that wand of a left foot when they’re struggling.
Give into Kudus’ temptation
Moyes admitted after the Hammers’ defeat to Aston Villa that he has always been tempted to start Mohammed Kudus in the Premier League and the defeat to Olympiacos was only further evidence that the Hammers’ manager should give into that temptation.
The Ghanaian looked the most likely of any West Ham player to make something happen on Thursday night, taking two shots on goal himself and creating a chance for his teammates. Defensively he worked hard winning three of his four tackles and making six ball recoveries.
When Kudus gets the ball, defenders look terrified and on edge and given the recent poor run of form from Moyes’ side, he has to unleash the 23-year-old for his first Premier League start against Everton on Sunday (29 October), especially considering Sean Dyche’s full-back shortage following Ashley Young’s suspension.
In other West Ham news, Joe Cole has slammed one Hammers player for defending like a “mannequin” in the Europa League defeat