Credit: Imago and BBC Match of the Day

Daniel Davis

Tue 17 March 2026 10:40, UK

Troy Deeney has heaped praise on Konstantinos Mavropanos after West Ham United‘s 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday night.

The former Arsenal centre-back was near faultless against Pep Guardiola’s heavyweights at the London Stadium, and even scored a deserved equaliser.

It looked bleak for the relegation-threatened Hammers after Bernardo Silva put the visitors ahead in the 31st minute, but Mavropanos ultimately had the decisive say.

Jarrod Bowen’s inviting corner dropped toward the towering defender, who guided a header home beyond Gianluigi Donnarumma to bring up his second goal for the club.

The result briefly lifted West Ham out of the bottom three, and Mavropanos now promises to play a crucial role in helping them to preserve their Premier League status.

‘Old school’ Konstantinos Mavropanos steps up

It is fair to say that Mavropanos has divided opinion since joining from Stuttgart in 2023.

However, the Greek international has been one of the first names on Nuno Espirito Santo’s team sheet since the festive period, and is more than deserving of these regular starts.

The 28-year-old combined defensive nous and resilience with the magic touch at the other end of the pitch, helping the Hammers move a step closer to safety.

It is no surprise, then, that Deeney singled him out for praise in his BBC Team of the Week.

“He was a beast against Manchester City,” the pundit said.

“He put his face in front of the ball when [Erling] Haaland blasted it at him from five yards. In the age where everyone turns their back, he is an old-school centre-back.

“And he scored with his team’s only shot of the game.”

Ashley Williams was similarly in awe of Mavropanos, who was a major reason behind the fightback. Now, he will be determined to continue in the same vein.

Mavropanos kept Erling Haaland quiet

The defender certainly enjoyed his best match in a West Ham shirt at the weekend.

According to the post-match statistics, he made 21 defensive contributions against City, including 10 clearances, four blocks and four interceptions.

Haaland may not quite be the same terrorising top-flight hitman who has centre-backs quaking in their boots, but he remains a formidable foe.

Mavropanos, though, handled him with ease.

The fact that the stalwart has made 27 appearances this season, totalling 2,187 minutes, showcases his newfound importance under Nuno, and he is more than backing it up.