West Ham remain without a clean sheet since August but the manner in which they defended against Tottenham was impressive.
The West Ham United backline has done little to inspire much in the way of confidence this season and their inability to keep goals out continues.
Still, being too critical of how they operated during West Ham’s 2-1 win over Tottenham would be harsh.
On a scale of 1-10, how confident are you of West Ham staying up after they beat Spurs?
It's not over just yet 👀
Nuno Espirito Santo’s side largely defended well in the second half. Cristian Romero may have scored but the Hammers largely held their ground.
It was a resolute display and one summed up by the excellent Konstantinos Mavropanos. The Greek hasn’t always covered himself in glory, but he looked a force to be reckoned with against Spurs.
So much so that a certain Edson Alvarez was impressed.
Edson Alvarez impressed by Konstantinos Mavropanos
Both Mavropanos and Jean-Clair Todibo were excellent against Spurs, and it’s not often people can say that about the West Ham duo.
Still, credit where credit is due. They’ve still got an awful lot of improving to do but this was a reminder of their quality.
Pretend you call the shots – what are you doing over Callum Wilson’s future?
Match winner 😍
After the game, Mavropanos took to social media platform Instagram. He uploaded a collage of images and titled it: “Proud of the team today! Let’s keep this energy up.”
Alvarez, who is on loan at Fenerbahce from West Ham, responded with a brick wall emoji.
That was a fine way to describe his former teammate’s performance.
West Ham praise for Konstantinos Mavropanos continues
Callum Wilson was the match-winner on the day but the likes of Mavropanos and Todibo cannot be overlooked.
Nor can the excellent Mateus Fernandes in midfield, either.
Interestingly, pundit Matt Upson praised Mavropanos after West Ham beat Tottenham.
The former West Ham and England defender said: “[Mavropanos] has been sharp today. He’s had a lot of criticism, but he’s dealt with everything coming into that box.”
West Ham are going to need an awful lot more from them going forward. This has to be the standard to which both defenders are held.
That elusive clean sheet will indeed come if they continue in such form for the rest of the campaign.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
