The Art of defending

  • by Staff Writer
  • Monday, 24th April 2017

Arthur Masuaku believes that Saturday's goalless draw against Everton saw him produce his best 90 minutes in a West Ham shirt.

The left back operated slightly further up the field as part of a five-man defence that stifled the Toffees, who failed to conjure a single shot on target all afternoon.

And the French defender admitted that he prefers to play at wing back, a position that allows hiim to burst forward more frequently - as he did to great effect at the Olympicc Stadium on Saturday afternoon.




"I think that was my best game for West Ham," he told whufc.com. "In my opinion I'm better when I'm on the wing because I can go forward and I can come back and defend. This is my best position, I think.

"It was a good point for us against a top team. We played very well as a team and that's the key to success. We defended well, we were strong, we were solid and we didn't give them the opportunity to score."

Meanwhile Masuaku's defensive partner Winston Reid was equally delighted at returning to the fold having been sidelined with injury for a number of weeks.

And he was particularly pleased at having kept West Ham's nemesis Romelu Lukaku quiet during the game - with Lukaku failing to score for the first time in eight games against the Hammers.




"I think we did well today," added the Kiwi. "Jose [Fonte] and Ginge were great at the back but also people in front were great; Harv [Nordtveit] put in a really good shift and that was good to see.

"That final ball wasn’t always there but we would have lost these games earlier in the season and we’re pleased to have come away with the point after working hard, which is what you always want.

"With a player like Lukaku you have to keep tight to him. If he can’t turn, he can’t score - and it’s going to be difficult for him. You simply try and keep him away from goal; it’s pretty boring, but it’s simple and effective!

"Everton are more than just Lukaku, they have a good team. It was about working out where they’re good, and that’s through the middle of the pitch. They have good combinations and we minimised them to just a few chances."

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