There simply hasn’t been a worse defence across Europe’s major five leagues than West Ham United’s this season.
No one has conceded as many goals as the Hammers (48) in the Premier League this season. Not a single other team in Ligue 1, Serie A, the Bundesliga or La Liga have let more through their net.
Nuno Espirito Santo was able to strengthen his defence on Deadline Day with the signing of Axel Disasi, but it remains to be seen just how ready he is after not playing any meaningful football for almost nine months.
Who should replace Todibo on Saturday?! 🤔
Keep in mind that Axel Disasi hasn't played in months 😬
A graphic showing a split image of Max Kilman and Axel Disasi.
Credit: Getty Images/Rob Newell – CameraSport/Neville Williams/Aston Villa FC
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An already weak backline was hit with a significant blow during Saturday’s defeat at Chelsea, too.
Indeed, while Jean-Clair Todibo hasn’t always impressed, the Frenchman has recently started to build a reasonably promising partnership with Konstantinos Mavropanos in central defence.
However, Todibo was sent off for West Ham against Chelsea for violent conduct and will now miss the next three games at least.
That is a major blow for the club ahead of some huge games and pundit Jamie O’Hara has slammed the defender’s decision.
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Jamie O’Hara slams Jean-Clair Todibo for red card against Chelsea
Todibo has apologised for his red card against Chelsea but that will do little to help in games against Burnley, Manchester United and Burton.
Disasi’s arrival does give Nuno another option but he’s hardly an instant guarantee given his total lack of action in recent months.
Reflecting on Todibo’s decision to clash with Joao Pedro at Stamford Bridge, O’Hara slammed the French international.
Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit said: “It’s stupid from Todibo. They need him, he’s a massive part of the team right now. You can’t put your hands round someone’s neck.”
A mixed transfer window for the Hammers! ⚒️
But what is your biggest January regret? What would you change if you could?
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Jarrod Bowen’s verdict on Jean-Clair Todibo’s red card is interesting
Todibo saw red in more ways than one at Stamford Bridge and that was completely unnecessary.
Tempers can of course flare, but the whole situation was entirely avoidable.
There simply isn’t an excuse for his actions. This is an experienced player and one who should have known better.
West Ham defender Jean-Clair Todibo is sent off for violent conduct after clashing with Joao Pedro
Photo by Adrian DENNIS / AFP via Getty Images
Nuno is disappointed with Todibo’s red card but captain Jarrod Bowen had an interesting alternative view.
While Bowen was equally as disappointed, he did admit he liked seeing such emotion at times.
“He’s always available and he’s a fiery person, and I like that emotion from a player,” he said.
“Of course, you don’t want someone to get sent-off, but emotions were high. We’re going to miss JC now, but it’s just one of those things in football.”
Todibo will be available again when West Ham host Bournemouth in their penultimate game of February.
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