West Ham’s performance at the weekend was hardly one full of great showings from individuals. But two players in particular came under attack.
It’s never hard to play well at Anfield, especially this season. The Reds have been in devastating attacking form, scoring their 100th goal of the season during this match. And so defensive players get a lot of stick. West Ham’s players did not escape such criticism.
Kouyate is not a stranger to criticism this, or last, season. He has not been assured in many performances, seemingly out of position at all crucial stages of the game. What was worse on Saturday though, was the lack of ability he showed on the ball. Time after time he looked unbalanced, unsure and lacking quality in attack. And the fans didn’t miss that.
Sorry but the way Kouyate defended for that second Liverpool goal was disgraceful. So half hearted. Needs to sort it the fuck out.
— West Ham News (@WHUFC_News) February 24, 2018
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Aside from Kouyate, there was a lot of criticism for Collins as well. Despite some solid performances in recent weeks and months, Ginger Pele was torn into on social media
Collins looks a mess, terrible defending all day.
— The Rival Sports (@TheRivalSports) February 24, 2018
Between him with awful touches and Collins hammering the ball back to Liverpool downfield, im surprised we had any possession
— The Rival Sports (@TheRivalSports) February 24, 2018
However there was one well known supporter of the veteran defender:
And not for the first time, I agree with Etherington. Kouyate I can’t really defend, because he’s been poor for most of the season. He’s shown flashes of quality since Moyes took over, but not nearly enough for a Premier League midfielder. Collins, on the other hand, has been a model of consistency.
As one of the elder statesmen of the side, he is going to lack in some physical areas. But in terms of concentration, effort and commitment at the heart of the defence he can’t be doubted. A single poor performance hardly qualifies the comments seen on social media.
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You are all entitled to your opinions, but the idea that Collins should be dropped is pretty poor. Fonte has gone, Reid is constantly in and out and Ogbonna was awful at the start of the year. Collins is a real addition at the centre of the defence, and I will be gutted if he is dropped because for my money he deserves a contract extension with a view to a coaching role ASAP.