Small margins may yet determine this season’s fight to remain in the Premier League. One point currently separates West Ham from their nearest rivals Spurs and the first round of games after the FA Cup quarter final could prove pivotal to the whole season.
“It’s not about skill, its not about style” claimed BBC’s Danny Murphy on MOTD2, amidst the discussion over which of Tottenham or West Ham would survive “Its about fight- who’s up for the fight”.
Clearly, yesterdays West Ham Man of the Match Dinos Mavropanos was, and is, and most likely will be ‘up’ for it. Four or five goal line clearances in the first half, ‘that’ tackle that was inch perfect despite referee Paul Tierney awarding Aston Villa a penalty before being corrected by VAR, and an all-round solid defensive performance on the losing side.
Nuno Espirito Santo looks on as West Ham struggle against Liverpool
Fast becoming a week in, week out standout performer for Nuno – Dinos Mavropanos
Resolute on the pitch and pretty resilient off it, by the sound of things:
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“We don’t really look at the others because it’s up to us.” Said the Greek defender.
We closed the gap in this last couple of games, so it’s up to us what we do on the pitch, and after that, we will see where we are going to be at the end.
“Of course, there are many games to play, and we showed character in the last couple of games. We just have to go on, keep positive faith, and we will do it.” (whufc.com)
His solidity alongside Disasi may yet see the Hammers through – a clean sheet against Wolves must surely be the demand Nuno makes of his defensive unit when battle recommences in three weeks time.