Julen Lopetegui's West Ham took their first win of the new season with a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. Although, Crystal Palace created a lot of chances in the first half, and even came very close to scoring the opening goal, West Ham defended well to keep the scoreline at 0-0. Alphonse Areola made a few great saves and new signing Max Kilman also helped the Hammers in organizing the defence.
Further, West Ham scored the opening goal in the second half after Tomas Soucek made it 1-0. After that, new signing Max Kilman won the possession in his own half and made a brilliant run to give a key pass to Jarrod Bowen inside the final third, who scored to give the 2-0 lead to West Ham. Max Kilman was awarded the Man of the Match for his rock solid defending to keep a clean sheet and his assist on the second goal.
Micah Richards impressed by new West Ham star in 2-0 win
Now, former Manchester City star, Micah Richards has praised Max Kilman, describing him as a quality defender. Speaking about the 27-year-old, Richards said,
"He’s a quality player. In terms of positioning, in terms of organising a defence, in terms of playing out from the back, in terms of tackles, I think he’s got the full package I really do. I think he’s going to be a real star for West Ham."Micah Richards
When West Ham signed Kilman from Wolves for £40 million in this transfer window, it was a surprising decision. However, in the first two games of the season, Kilman has justified his high transfer fee and alongside new signing Jean-Clair Todibo, will form a great defence for West Ham this season.
Todibo again came on as a second half substitute, and again performed well in the match. West Ham's defence will be more improved when Todibo and Wan-Bissaka will also start alongside Kilman and Emerson in the defence.