**Max Kilman started against Leeds United, where he made a vital error which ultimately cost West Ham the chance to go to Wembley.**
Many were worried when Max Kilman’s name was on the lineup, whereas others seemed to hope for a different outcome compared to what had previously occurred, but unfortunately, it appears to be the same old story occurring once again.
During the first half, Max Kilman had a rash challenge on Leeds United, which was hurried away by VAR after a close check, but in the second half, the Englishman would make the same mistakes again, slicing the Leeds player and being nowhere near the ball, ultimately giving away a penalty.
This penalty would be converted by Calvert-Lewin, and after our intense efforts to bring it back to 2-2, it begs the question that if that penalty hadn’t been given away, West Ham fans would’ve been looking forward to an away day at Wembley against Chelsea in the semi-finals.
Whilst all blame shouldn’t be put on Max Kilman, given that the side were extremely unfortunate and lost on penalties, these serious errors are a glimpse into what Nuno’s side have recently suffered since he was dropped. It just happened to be that today, there really weren’t any other options; he simply had to play.
Overlooking the overwhelmingly costly error, he had the bog standard game for a central defender, a few tackles here and there, but he looked like someone who hadn’t played in a while, granted he hasn’t, but in these moments you tend to see a make or break moment occur, unfortunately for us, it was yet another break.
This ultimately appears to be a closing chapter between Kilman and Nuno, as it would be extremely unlikely to trust the Englishman once again; other alternatives, such as Mavropanos and Todibo, should both have an imminent return.
Whilst it might come at a costly price, it’s almost a given that West Ham should look to part ways with Kilman during the transfer window, attempting to recoup anything possible from the initial and staggering £40m fee that was paid for him.