The proof of the pudding is in the eating: [West Ham’](https://www.claretandhugh.info/big-question-remains-over-deadline-day-signing-west-ham-news/)s deadline day signing will need to prove that he is an upgrade on the wobbly Kilman and Mavropanos pairing that has fared so badly in the heart of West Ham’s defence since Lopetegui splashed £40 million on his former Wolves captain.
You cannot help wondering whether West Ham’s nose dive in form and slide toward negative goal difference hasn’t coincided with Kilman’s arrival.
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Were things really as bad during Moyes’ tenure?
Whether Axel Disasi’s loan capture will improve the Hammers’ survival chances – or just hasten the slide to the Championship – is examined by the [bbc.co.uk](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cdx45305n14o) in their article today: “_will Disasi improve Hammers’ defence?”_
Stats aren’t everything and the report points out that Disasi last performed in a more solid Chelsea team so you’d expect him to have the better figures on paper:
_“There is evidence Disasi is better on the ball than that trio – although the data may be skewed from playing in better teams – but what the Hammers desperately need is steel and organisation to mend the league’s worst defence._
_That’s not to say the Frenchman, who came on as an extra-time substitute in the 2022 World Cup final, can’t provide those qualities and fulfil the promise he showed at Reims and Monaco; talent that convinced Chelsea to shell out £38.5m for him in August 2023.”_
Surprisingly, of the trio now available for Nuno, Disasi has the least Premier League experience and his lack of recent game – time is seen by the BBC report as a big question mark:
_“Given that he hasn’t played a senior game this season, Disasi doesn’t feel like an entirely convincing solution to the well-documented defensive woes at London Stadium.”_
Crucially, Disasi’s aerial duels won, possessions won and completed passing stats are better than Mav, JCT or Kilman, suggesting the Irons did indeed have a defence more suited to a mid table Championship side.
Confidence is all – as Hammers fans saw last week when the 2-0 lead dissolved before our very eyes. We all know Kilman’s confidence is shot and for Disasi, the bar isn’t set very high. Get the aerial challenges in, compete, and put your body on the line. After all, it surely can’t get any worse.