First Team Squad

Player profile and performance records.

Angelo Ogbonna (Defender)

Squad Number: 21
Position: Defender
Born: 23rd May 1988 (Cassino, Italy)
Signed: 30th Jun 2015 (£8,500,000)
Contract: 1 year (signed June 2023)
Previous Club: Juventus

KUMB Awards: Player of the Year (runner-up) 2017/18, (runner up) 2019/20; Goal of the Season (third place) 2017/18; Most Improved Player 2019/20.

In June 2023, Ogbonna signed a 12-month contract extension having completed his previous arrangement - a five-year deal with an option for an extra year signed back in 2017.

2022/23 Match Notes & Ratings

vs FK TSC Backa Topola

3-1: Thursday, 21st September
(Played 90 minutes)

Simple stuff, really. You just make sure the one bad thing that could happen in that situation doesn't happen. Instead, the opposite. It was sloppy.

vs Luton Town

2-1: Friday, 1st September

Did not play.

vs Brighton & Hove Albion

3-1: Saturday, 26th August
(Played 90 minutes)

Ogbonna more than Zouma allowed those chances, but it will be interesting to see if the more consistent Ogbonna is preferred to Aguerd or not. A game at Luton should see West Ham with a lot more of the ball, and Aguerd is a better option in possession, and defending counters.

vs Bournemouth

1-1: Saturday, 12th August

Did not play.

vs Boreham Wood

4-1: Monday, 10th July
(Played 62 minutes)

No match comments.

vs Fiorentina

2-1: Wednesday, 7th June
(Played 0 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Antonio 90) N/A

vs Leeds United

3-1: Sunday, 21st May
(Played 90 minutes)

In comparison, Ogbonna was strong and steady. Bamford didn't drift his side, and Rodrigo had no presence once he replaced him.

vs Brentford

0-2: Sunday, 14th May
(Played 90 minutes)

Keeps it simpler. You lose Aguerd's recovery pace if you go with Ogbonna on Thursday, but he's more reliably consistent than the Moroccan.

vs Manchester United

1-0: Sunday, 7th May
(Played 90 minutes)

A superb performance from the recalled Italian veteran, who looked largely untroubled all evening, full of confidence and assuredness.

vs Manchester City

0-3: Wednesday, 3rd May
(Played 90 minutes)

That error for the first goal is atrocious defending. Not only has he dropped early and behind everyone, but he misses his header, too.

vs Crystal Palace

3-4: Saturday, 29th April
(Played 72 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Zouma 18' ) Bad on the ball, not great positionally, looking rustier than he did returning from injury.

vs Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 8th April
(Played 90 minutes)

Solid, without the big moments Zouma had, plus a couple sloppy ones.

vs Newcastle United

1-5: Wednesday, 5th April

Did not play.

vs Southampton

1-0: Sunday, 2nd April

Did not play.

vs AEK Larnaca

4-0: Thursday, 16th March
(Played 90 minutes)

Probably quite a boring game for Ogbonna, who it is hard to remember having played, let alone doing anything.

vs Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 12th March

Did not play.

vs Brighton & Hove Albion

0-4: Saturday, 4th March
(Played 90 minutes)

Seemed to really struggle with Ferguson when he dropped to make little passes for the forward runners from midfields. Defence looked disorganised. Some of his defending on the edge of his box to put pressure on players was hilarious in how bad it was.

vs Manchester United

1-3: Wednesday, 1st March
(Played 90 minutes)

Everything crumbled around him. You?EUR(TM)d feel he?EUR(TM)d have just headed that corner clear, would have lumped the ball away for the last goal. Just simple, old-fashioned basics.

vs Nottingham Forest

4-0: Saturday, 25th February
(Played 90 minutes)

Worries about Ogbonna in a back four were not completely answered, with Wood being maybe the ideal opponent for him, but he is looking very secure and was the better choice over Kehrer, even with the two left footers together.

vs Tottenham Hotspur

0-2: Sunday, 19th February
(Played 90 minutes)

Has often played this role against Kane, and gets drawn into areas where he doesn't want to be and isn't particularly adept at defending from.

vs Chelsea

1-1: Saturday, 11th February
(Played 90 minutes)

Hard to really find fault for anyone on the Felix goal, the pass is that good. Otherwise, Ogbonna was superb at the nuts and bolts of deep defending. A concern that pace through the middle does see us cut open, but Ogbonna is looking back to his best when needed.

vs Newcastle United

1-1: Saturday, 4th February
(Played 90 minutes)

Solid, unspectacular, but dug in. The two big chances were Wilson drifting off him, and whilst they're not his fault, possibly a lack of communication and recovery movement.

vs Derby County

2-0: Monday, 30th January
(Played 90 minutes)

Did his job with little fuss.

vs Everton

2-0: Saturday, 21st January
(Played 90 minutes)

Maybe a little too kind, but this was a level of performance that seemed beyond Ogbonna after such a long and troublesome injury. He was just back at his old school, Italian centre back best. No fuss, no frills, just defending. 15 clearances. He?EUR(TM)s gone from a spare part to a genuine asset.

vs Wolves

0-1: Saturday, 14th January
(Played 90 minutes)

Solid enough, certainly good enough to mean he can handle the game time if Dawson is sold quickly.

vs Brentford

1-0: Saturday, 7th January
(Played 90 minutes)

Much the same as above, although not a worry as the middle man of three. It's hard to know how Ogbonna is doing and what impact he can have as part of this team when he is tested only in Conference League games and matches against Brentford.

vs Leeds United

2-2: Wednesday, 4th January

Did not play.

vs Arsenal

1-3: Monday, 26th December

Did not play.

vs Leicester City

0-2: Saturday, 12th November

Did not play.

vs FCSB

3-0: Thursday, 3rd November
(Played 90 minutes)

Some good old fashioned no nonsense Ogbonna defending in there, but a really controlled performance.

vs Manchester United

0-1: Sunday, 30th October

Did not play.

vs Silkeborg

1-0: Thursday, 27th October
(Played 90 minutes)

Always liable to get turned once or twice but was strong in the air and is making tentative improvement with each outing.

vs AFC Bournemouth

2-0: Monday, 24th October

Did not play.

vs Liverpool

0-1: Wednesday, 19th October

Did not play.

vs Anderlecht

2-1: Thursday, 13th October
(Played 90 minutes)

Barely did anything until he was down and injured.

vs Fulham

3-1: Sunday, 9th October

Did not play.

vs RSC Anderlecht

1-0: Thursday, 6th October
(Played 90 minutes)

A touch sloppy at times, but he recovered well to defend when he was. He's not peak condition or sharp, but he's doing the gritty bits of his defending like he used to. Now needs to find the control.

vs Wolverhampton Wanderers

2-0: Saturday, 1st October

Did not play.

vs FCSB

3-1: Thursday, 8th September
(Played 90 minutes)

Great to see him get through the 90 minutes, all important as he shakes off his injury, but the defence was not good enough.

vs Chelsea

1-2: Saturday, 3rd September
(Played 8 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Fornals 82) Not sure it worked, and he was beaten to the ball by Havertz on the winner.

vs Tottenham Hotspur

1-1: Wednesday, 31st August
(Played 18 minutes, sub)

(Replaced Cresswell 72) With Fornals pushed so high, Ogbonna was forced into a combination centre back, left back role. It exposed his lack of pace.

vs Aston Villa

1-0: Sunday, 28th August

Did not play.

vs Viborg FF

3-0: Thursday, 25th August
(Played 90 minutes)

It's possible that going up against someone like Grot is the perfect way for him to prove his fitness. He's got a bit of physicality and a turn of pace, and Ogbonna did fine with him.

vs Brighton & Hove Albion

0-2: Sunday, 21st August

Did not play.

vs Viborg FF

3-1: Thursday, 18th August
(Played 67 minutes)

Much the same as Johnson, although the Italian did get involved in some tussles for the ball when stepping out of the back line, which was good to see as he makes his way back from such a serious injury.

2021/22 Match Notes & Ratings

Liverpool

3-2: Saturday, 6th November

Looked injured, survived, then forced off by an elbow. Was holding his ground well until that point.

Aston Villa

4-1: Sunday, 31st October

As mentioned above, it was some of his long balls from the back that made it so the ball kept coming back and made it harder for the team to keep control of the ball and the game.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Sunday, 24th October

A good foul on Ndombele was probably the best thing he did, picking up a booking but throwing everything through the midfielder to stop him touching it through to Kane. After that, he was exposed once by a Son run but had a comfortable game. The defence looked strong as a unit and the two in the middle lead it.

Everton

1-0: Sunday, 17th October

Reasonably quiet in defence, doing his job without fuss, the goal was obviously crucial and taken well.

Brentford

1-2: Sunday, 3rd October

Toney and Mbeumo had the beating of the centre back pair. Moreover, the last minute foul was not a necessary one and then the defence was disorganised for the free kick.

Leeds United

2-1: Saturday, 25th September

The centre backs were not particularly tested by Rodrigo up front, and Ogbonna was quiet at the back. Did his job fine, just not particularly tested, whilst Zouma seemed to be the magnet as balls came in.

Manchester United

1-0: Wednesday, 22nd September

Did not play.

Manchester United

1-2: Sunday, 19th September

The defence as a unit was strong, yet still gave away too many chances. He is never going to look panicked, he enjoys defending and does it without fuss. But didn’t impose himself today.

Southampton

0-0: Saturday, 11th September

Comfortable for the most part, until Broja came on. He could neither bully nor outpace the forward and will probably be delighted the young striker was only a late sub. Looked as slow as Dawson, only adding to the need for Zouma to settle in.

Crystal Palace

2-2: Saturday, 28th August

Looked to have saved Dawson’s blushes, but the disorganisation was punished. Clearly the better of the two, including in his use of the ball. Needs a new partner soon.

Leicester City

4-1: Monday, 23rd August

As above. Just a pair of smart and wily centre backs who knew what to do against Jamie Vardy and were disciplined in how they did it.

Newcastle United

4-2: Sunday, 15th August

Less erratic than Dawson, but not composed. Ogbonna is usually composed or aggressive, today he looked neither.

Celtic

6-2: Saturday, 24th July

Worrying. Injured after just five minutes and due for a scan on Monday to assess the damage.

2020/21 Match Notes & Ratings

Celtic

6-2: Saturday, 24th July

Worrying. Injured after just five minutes and due for a scan on Monday to assess the damage.

Southampton

3-0: Sunday, 23rd May

It was one of those games were barely really noticing Ogbonna was a good thing. He just made Danny Ings a non-entity. Not flashy, just solid and controlled defending and besting of a direct opponent.

West Bromwich Albion

3-1: Wednesday, 19th May

Sloppier on the ball than he has been for a long time, a couple of silly and misplaced passes, he was otherwise in good control and then the icing on the cake was a goal. A little rusty but notably helps the whole defence settle.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1: Saturday, 15th May

Relatively quiet for Ogbonna. Did his job with little fuss but that’s ideally what you want from a defender. Good game to get used to playing again without being really tested.

Chelsea

0-1: Saturday, 24th April

Whilst he had a good control of the defence for the majority of the game, the goal exposed him. First Werner was able to handle the physical pressure, and then the German lost Ogbonna to get into the box and score. He may well think being one of a back five may allow him a bit of cover, but they were weak once their leader was beaten.

Newcastle United

2-3: Saturday, 17th April

A solid return for Ogbonna was thrown into turmoil by the insanity around him. He came in as the Cresswell, but isn’t as good a passer and then his team lost the plot. He did well defensively and tried to push up the left channel when we had eleven on the field. Having him back as a central member of a three or one of the two will be a big lift, but we still conceded three goals.

Manchester United

0-1: Tuesday, 9th February

Scary to have lost such an influential player. Mad to think Soucek got a red card at the weekend and Martial got a shrug.

Fulham

0-0: Saturday, 6th February

Much the same as Dawson. Just did his work effectively and limited the real danger in the box, which should have been much more frequent considering the pressure they had.

Aston Villa

3-1: Wednesday, 3rd February

You’d have to say that Ogbonna had a quiet game. Watkins peeled off to Dawson’s side and Villa were desperate to play down the left with Grealish. Comfortable defending as ever.

Liverpool

1-3: Sunday, 31st January

Out of character performance. Didn’t impose himself, couldn’t disturb how Liverpool played and looked mesmerised by the movement of their attackers.

Crystal Palace

3-2: Tuesday, 26th January

Beaten too easily on the edge by Zaha for the first goal, which is very rare with Ogbonna. Settled after that and played well enough, but not at his best.

Doncaster Rovers

4-0: Saturday, 23rd January

Did not play. Other unused subs: Declan Rice, Michail Antonio.

West Bromwich Albion

2-1: Tuesday, 19th January

Calm and collected. Every game, Ogbonna is calm and collected. Must be a dream to play alongside. A clear level or three above the attackers against him.

Burnley

1-0: Saturday, 16th January

Can do all the dirty work like Dawson, but also much better on the ball and defending against faster players or with space behind him. As ever, just calmly brilliant, really. A lot of headers won, clearance and blocks. The one time he got turned, he makes it so hard to go around him that not much was gained.

Stockport County

1-0: Monday, 11th January

A man who never looks too perturbed when playing football did not seem particularly bothered by conditions or difficult opponents. He got the job done at the back and just carried on playing how he plays.

Everton

1-0: Friday, 1st January

An absolute magnet to Everton crosses. Calm with his work, as he often is, but enjoying the scrap of it too.

Southampton

0-0: Tuesday, 29th December

The man you would most want alongside you in a West Ham defence on your debut. As calm and collected as ever, he defended with his usual command and is having another excellent season.

Brighton & Hove Albion

2-2: Saturday, 26th December

Reasonably solid, but again the defence seems to have lost a little organisation lately, and whilst the blocks and headers in the first half were good, it's probably also the absolute easiest part of his game.

Chelsea

0-3: Monday, 21st December

As above, really. Never particularly troubled, but will be disappointed to miss the header for the first goal.

Crystal Palace

1-1: Tuesday, 15th December

The better of the pair, Ogbonna had his usual control and assurance. Dealt with everything Palace threw at him with a level of ease.

Leeds United

2-1: Friday, 11th December

A goal. nearly an assist and eight clearances in what was almost a perfect defensive display. However, he too was guilty of allowing runners through the middle of the defence.

Manchester United

1-3: Saturday, 5th December

Seemed to get his line wrong individually a few times and the absence of a standard striker seemed to disturb how the central three defended. Much as they got caught by Kane and Tottenham, the wider men were allowed to move centrally as the centre backs were not occupied by a striker.

Aston Villa

2-1: Saturday, 28th November

Similar to Balbuena, although Ogbonna it did appear was able to head away every cross. His goal gives him the extra mark, well taken and he lost his marker well.

Sheffield United

1-0: Sunday, 22nd November

When challenged, quite imperious. He was rarely challenged, but dealt with it all in stride and looks every inch an Italian international centre back.

Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 7th November

The drama at the end doesn’t happen with Ogbonna on the pitch. Defence lost a leader and he dealt with Mitrovic well, including how he got him booked.

Liverpool

1-2: Saturday, 31st October

Probably the most hard done by of the players on the end of a defeat considering he cleared up well, defended strongly and was comfortable against all of Liverpool's players one-on-one. Mistakes around him were what cost the game.

Manchester City

1-1: Saturday, 24th October

Composed and calm in the middle, him and Balbuena were aerially dominant and should take it as a big compliment that Aguero was subbed off at half time.

Tottenham Hotspur

3-3: Sunday, 18th October

Criticism and credit for his handling of Kane. He is the senior defender and the senior voice in the West Ham side, what with Noble a squad player now. He should have done something earlier to stop Kane, even if he tried something that didn't work. But when he did, it changed the game, stopped Spurs playing and then helped as Kane moved further forward ad into areas Ogbonna wanted him.

Leicester City

3-0: Sunday, 4th October

A quite fantastic performance. In a defence that itself was brilliant, Ogbonna still stood out. Took on Vardy and silenced him, following the forward around and nullifying him everywhere. Best individual defensive performance since Collins against Suarez at Anfield. Best player on the pitch in a high quality performance.

Newcastle United

0-2: Saturday, 12th September

This game is much worse without Ogbonna. A couple of telling interventions and not once did he seem at all disturbed by the physicality of Carroll.

Brentford

2-1: Saturday, 29th August

KUMB's latest Player of the Year runner-up struggled with a lack of defensive quality around him.

Wycombe Wanderers

5-1: Tuesday, 25th August

n/a

Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 26th July

Calm and collected, as ever. One little fake in the corner to dribble the ball out was delightful.

Manchester United

1-1: Wednesday, 22nd July

Rarely gave any forward breathing space. That said, Martial stepped away from the box and allowed to turn around for the goal. Ogbonna never got near enough to him or Greenwood in that move. He was otherwise very good and took charge, so it’s hard to criticise him especially as it was collective failure on the equaliser.

Watford

3-1: Friday, 17th July

Sarr caused issues but Ogbonna was calm and strong when dealing with him, rescuing multiple situations where the pacy winger looked to get in behind. His best season for the club.

Norwich City

4-0: Saturday, 11th July

A nice workout for Angelo, who did his job and will be delighted to mark five years at the club with such a big win.

Burnley

0-1: Wednesday, 8th July

Much the same as Diop, really. Did his job to a sound level.

Newcastle United

0-0: Saturday, 4th July

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Chelsea

3-2: Wednesday, 1st July

Whilst he did nothing notably standout, there’s such a presence to Ogbonna and something so reassuring about him compared to a defence without him. Little panic, brave and good in the air, Ogbonna has shone this season and the games without him, the side are worse.

2019/20 Match Notes & Ratings

Aston Villa

1-1: Sunday, 26th July

Calm and collected, as ever. One little fake in the corner to dribble the ball out was delightful.

Manchester United

Watford

Norwich City

4-0: Saturday, 11th July

A nice workout for Angelo, who did his job and will be delighted to mark five years at the club with such a big win.

Burnley

0-1: Wednesday, 8th July

Much the same as Diop, really. Did his job to a sound level.

Newcastle United

0-0: Saturday, 4th July

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Chelsea

Tottenham Hotspur

0-2: Tuesday, 23rd June

Did not play.

Arsenal

0-1: Saturday, 7th March

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Southampton

3-1: Saturday, 29th February

Ogbonna is marshalling the defence. He wasn’t exceptional, just comfortably good and in control of his game. Form like this keeps West Ham up.

Liverpool

2-3: Monday, 24th February

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Manchester City

0-2: Wednesday, 19th February

Dealt with Aguero reasonably well and was strong defending crosses.

Brighton & Hove Albion

3-3: Saturday, 1st February

His worst performance of the season. The second goal was primarily his fault, the ball was definitely his to control. Whilst he couldn’t stop the ball hitting him for the own goal, the defending was a mess. Second half, he lost control.

Liverpool

0-2: Wednesday, 29th January

It is fair to say he and Diop played well except for the moment they didn’t, and the moment they didn’t probably cost the side the game. Firmino was given too much time and space to do as he pleased in the box for the build to the penalty. Ogbonna should have done more. He was otherwise unflustered by the Liverpool forward line and will need that resolve in the next few months.

West Bromwich Albion

0-1: Saturday, 25th January

A commanding performance which was punctuated by frequent forays into the opposition half; given license to roam in areas where he'd previously have suffered a nosebleed.

Leicester City

1-4: Wednesday, 22nd January

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Everton

1-1: Saturday, 18th January

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Sheffield United

0-1: Friday, 10th January

Was reasonably solid, although the defence did wobble a bit after the goal. Equally, the defending at set pieces was not good enough.

Gillingham

2-0: Sunday, 5th January

A commanding performance which was punctuated by frequent forays into the opposition half; given license to roam in areas where he'd previously have suffered a nosebleed.

Bournemouth

4-0: Wednesday, 1st January

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Leicester City

1-2: Saturday, 28th December

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Crystal Palace

1-2: Thursday, 26th December

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Southampton

1-0: Saturday, 14th December

Made vital blocks, tackles and clearances late on. Was calm and confident before that.

Arsenal

1-3: Saturday, 7th December

As above, the defence wasn’t good enough. Did well to score.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-2: Wednesday, 4th December

Defended ably and kept Jimenez quiet. Helped Cresswell with Traore. Left stretched for the second, exposed by the gung ho approach for an equaliser.

Chelsea

1-0: Saturday, 30th November

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-3: Saturday, 23rd November

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Burnley

0-3: Saturday, 9th November

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Newcastle United

2-3: Saturday, 2nd November

Did not play.

Sheffield United

1-1: Saturday, 26th October

Did not play.

Everton

0-2: Saturday, 19th October

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

Crystal Palace

1-2: Saturday, 5th October

Won everything in the air that was anywhere near him, was fast enough and strong enough to silence Zaha and Ayew whenever near them. Only defender awake to the danger in the first half. He was let down by his teammates.

Bournemouth

2-2: Saturday, 28th September

As with Diop, just wasn’t at his best.

Manchester United

2-0: Sunday, 22nd September

Really daft yellow, although he had to take the man once he committed. Calm and confident defensively, left behind by pace a couple times.

Aston Villa

0-0: Monday, 16th September

Another quietly effective game, he and Diop bossed the middle.

Norwich City

2-0: Saturday, 31st August

Mainly dealt with Pukki and did it well. Looking solid.

Newport County

2-0: Tuesday, 27th August

Did not play.

Watford

3-1: Saturday, 24th August

Commanding in the air and did a couple of the ugly things that a real centre back will need to do from time to time.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-1: Saturday, 17th August

Lack of pressure gave Trossard an easier effort on goal and he was part of a defence that was lucky not to concede three or four.

Manchester City

0-5: Saturday, 10th August

Did not play.

Athletico Bilbao

2-2: Saturday, 3rd August

(Replaced Balbuena) Not involved to any great degree as Bilbao's attacks were limited following the Italian's introduction.

Hertha Berlin

5-3: Wednesday, 31st July

(Replaced Balbuena) The Italian hasn't enjoyed the best of pre-season where he had frequently looked off the pace. Looked comfortable today however.

Fulham

1-0: Saturday, 27th July

Match notes to follow.

Newcastle United

0-1: Saturday, 20th July

Very disappointing. A lack of notable effort saw him left standing for the goal and he was caught out once or twice by quicker players.

Manchester City

1-4: Wednesday, 17th July

Still looking a little clumsy and conceded the penalty that put Manchester City ahead.

2018/19 Match Notes & Ratings

Watford

4-1: Sunday, 12th May

Did not play.

Southampton

3-0: Saturday, 4th May

One of his best games as a West Ham player. 6 interceptions, 4 clearances, 2 blocked shots - as close to imperious as he’s ever been, especially in a back four. The General may have to wait.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Saturday, 27th April

One of his best games as a West Ham player. 6 interceptions, 4 clearances, 2 blocked shots - as close to imperious as he’s ever been, especially in a back four. The General may have to wait.

Leicester City

2-2: Saturday, 20th April

Big channel opened up on his side that Barnes walked into.

Manchester United

1-2: Saturday, 13th April

One of his best games as a West Ham player. 6 interceptions, 4 clearances, 2 blocked shots - as close to imperious as he’s ever been, especially in a back four. The General may have to wait.

Chelsea

0-2: Monday, 8th April

A quieter game than he’s had recently, possibly due to the speed and movement of Kante and Hudson-Odoi down that side.

Everton

0-2: Saturday, 30th March

People talk about who is going to partner Diop now Balbuena is fit, but Ogbonna has been the better centre back for a while now and isn’t the one who should be under threat.

Huddersfield Town

4-3: Saturday, 16th March

Struggled at the back as well, arguably not quite as much as Diop, but his headed goal was crucial in turning the game back.

Cardiff City

0-2: Saturday, 9th March

Calm for the most part, making ten clearances. Part of an inconsistent defensive unit but without the blatant errors of others.

Cardiff City

0-2: Saturday, 9th March

Got his head to a few of Gunnarsson’s long throws but other than that it was a very average performance. He also didn’t do much to prevent the first goal.

Newcastle Utd

2-0: Saturday, 2nd March

Played exceptionally well, one of three contenders for man of the match. Only outshone by Diop due to how crucial some of the Frenchman’s contributions were.

Manchester City

0-1: Wednesday, 27th February

One of his best games as a West Ham player. 6 interceptions, 4 clearances, 2 blocked shots - as close to imperious as he’s ever been, especially in a back four. The General may have to wait.

Fulham

3-1: Friday, 22nd February

Fought and dominated physically. Seems to like strikers like Mitrovic. Good performance and never looked like conceding in the second half when Fulham were desperate to get something.

Crystal Palace

1-1: Saturday, 9th February

He did what he needed to for most of the game. More consistent than recent games.

Crystal Palace

1-1: Saturday, 9th February

Nine clearances, three blocked shots. He can be physically dominant when he wants to be.

Liverpool

1-1: Monday, 4th February

A truly inconsistent player. This week, Ogbonna was excellent. Made vital interceptions and dominant ones too, pushing out of defence to take things he could well have sat off. Questions around the goal, although his initial line was perfect.

Wolverhampton Wanderers

0-3: Tuesday, 29th January

The left side was all at sea today. Not wildly bad, but not good.

AFC Wimbledon

2-4: Saturday, 26th January

Sometimes he has moments where he looks terrified of football as a concept. This game it never stopped.

Bournemouth

0-2: Saturday, 19th January

Arsenal

1-0: Saturday, 12th January

Birmingham City

2-0: Saturday, 5th January

The kind of shaky game that worries fans, and why he isn’t pushing too hard to be first choice. Looks much more assured with Cresswell to his left.

Brighton & Hove Albion

2-2: Wednesday, 2nd January

Burnley

0-2: Sunday, 30th December

Southampton

2-1: Thursday, 27th December

Watford

0-2: Saturday, 22nd December

Fulham

2-0: Saturday, 15th December

Crystal Palace

3-2: Saturday, 8th December

Did not play.

Cardiff City

3-1: Tuesday, 4th December

Newcastle United

3-0: Saturday, 1st December

Did not play.

Manchester City

0-4: Saturday, 24th November

Did not play.

Huddersfield Town

1-1: Saturday, 10th November

Did not play.

Burnley

4-2: Saturday, 3rd November

(Replaced Arnautovic) Sent on to shore up the defence at 3-2 - and barely had to become involved.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-3: Wednesday, 31st October

Did not play.

Leicester City

1-1: Saturday, 27th October

(Replaced Anderson) Thrown into midfield and with a little more composure could've grabbed an unlikely second prior to Leicester's equaliser.

Tottenham Hotspur

0-1: Saturday, 20th October

Did not play.

Brighton & Hove Albion

0-1: Friday, 5th October

Did not play.

Manchester United

3-1: Saturday, 29th September

Did not play.

Chelsea

0-0: Sunday, 23rd September

Did not play.

AFC Wimbledon

3-1: Tuesday, 28th August

The only player at the heart of the West Ham defence with any semblence of longevity in the team, and it showed.

Bournemouth

1-2: Saturday, 18th August

Struggling to develop a pertnership with Balbuena and it appears to be affecting his own game.

Liverpool

0-4: Sunday, 12th August

The only player at the heart of the West Ham defence with any semblence of longevity in the team, and it showed.

2017/18 Match Notes & Ratings

Everton

3-1: Sunday, 13th May

Comments to follow.

Manchester United

0-0: Thursday, 10th May

Comments to follow.

Leicester City

2-0: Saturday, 5th May

Comments to follow.

Manchester City

1-4: Sunday, 29th April

Comments to follow.

Arsenal

1-4: Sunday, 22nd April

Comments to follow.

Stoke City

1-1: Monday, 16th April

Comments to follow.

Chelsea

1-1: Sunday, 8th April

Comments to follow.

Southampton

3-0: Saturday, 31st March

Partnered up decently with Collins and Cresswell. Very composed on the ball when pressured.

Burnley

0-3: Saturday, 10th March

Partnered up decently with Collins and Cresswell. Very composed on the ball when pressured.

Swansea City

1-4: Saturday, 3rd March

Partnered up decently with Collins and Cresswell. Very composed on the ball when pressured.

Liverpool

1-4: Saturday, 24th February

Partnered up decently with Collins and Cresswell. Very composed on the ball when pressured.

Watford

2-0: Saturday, 10th February

Partnered up decently with Collins and Cresswell. Very composed on the ball when pressured.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-3: Saturday, 3rd February

Not his usual consistent self, making many basic mistakes and majorly at fault for Brighton's first goal.

Brighton & Hove Albion

1-3: Saturday, 3rd February

Not his usual consistent self, making many basic mistakes and majorly at fault for Brighton's first goal.

Crystal Palace

1-1: Tuesday, 30th January

Comments to follow.

Wigan Athletic

0-2: Saturday, 27th January

Comments to follow.

Bournemouth

1-1: Saturday, 20th January

Another decent shift from the Italian, keeping Bournemouth's biggest attacking threat Callum Wilson quiet during the entirety of the ninety minutes.

Shrewsbury Town

1-0: Tuesday, 16th January

Comments to follow.

Huddersfield Town

4-1: Saturday, 13th January

A busy opening half but he helped keep a lid on everything the Terriers threw at West Ham after the break.

Shrewsbury Town

0-0: Sunday, 7th January

Comments to follow.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-1: Thursday, 4th January

Got in the way of absolutely everything putting his body on the lines with his countless blocks.

West Bromwich Albion

2-1: Tuesday, 2nd January

A good source for playing it out from the back with some decent long balls. Made an excellent tackle to deny Oliver Burke from putting West Brom ahead.

Bournemouth

3-3: Tuesday, 26th December

Gelled well with Aaron Cresswell and prevented City from creating many chances.

Newcastle United

2-3: Saturday, 23rd December

Didn't do much wrong thoughout the course of the ninety minutes, he was just left exposed as were his two fellow centre-backs in Newcastle's two second half goals.

Arsenal

0-1: Tuesday, 19th December

Comments to follow.

Stoke City

3-0: Saturday, 16th December

Comments to follow.

Arsenal

0-0: Wednesday, 13th December

Comments to follow.

Chelsea

1-0: Saturday, 9th December

Comments to follow.

Manchester City

1-2: Sunday, 3rd December

Comments to follow.

Everton

0-4: Wednesday, 29th November

Comments to follow.

Leicester City

1-1: Friday, 24th November

Partially at fault for the first goal. However he was part of the engine room at the back that kept West Ham going throughout the entirety of the ninety-plus minutes of the match.

Watford

0-2: Sunday, 19th November

Comments to follow.

Liverpool

1-4: Saturday, 4th November

Was good all-round but got caught out of position on a number of occasions.

Crystal Palace

2-2: Saturday, 28th October

Comments to follow.

Tottenham Hotspur

3-2: Wednesday, 25th October

Comments to follow.

Brighton & Hove Albion

0-3: Friday, 20th October

Did not play.

Burnley

1-1: Saturday, 14th October

Did not play.

Swansea City

1-0: Saturday, 30th September

Did not play.

Tottenham Hotspur

2-3: Saturday, 23rd September

Did not play.

Bolton Wanderers

3-0: Tuesday, 19th September

Comments to follow.

West Bromwich Albion

0-0: Saturday, 16th September

Did not play.

West Bromwich Albion

0-0: Saturday, 16th September

Did not play.

Huddersfield Town

2-0: Monday, 11th September

Did not play.

Newcastle United

0-3: Saturday, 26th August

Comments to follow.

Cheltenham Town

2-0: Wednesday, 23rd August

Did what was expected of him, keep the Cheltenham attackers quiet and get on the end of West Ham set pieces, combined perfectly with the notable presence of James Collins.

Southampton

2-3: Saturday, 19th August

Looked reasonably comfortable.

Manchester United

0-4: Sunday, 13th August

Was confident going into tackles and held his line well in the first half but mich more can be expected of him.

Manchester City

0-3: Friday, 4th August

His first appearance since returning from injury.

Altona 93

3-3: Tuesday, 1st August

His first appearance since returning from injury.

Werder Bremen

2-2: Saturday, 29th July

His first appearance since returning from injury.

Fulham

2-1: Thursday, 20th July

Replaced at half time by James Collins.

2016/17 Match Notes & Ratings

Burnley

2-1: Sunday, 21st May

Some good blocks in there and played some good football. However, he did look a lot like a player who had been out for a month or two and was well off the pace at times.

Burnley

2-1: Sunday, 21st May

Hardly put a foot wrong all day. Strong in the air and never affraid to get stuck in and make a challenge in his first appearence back from knee surgery. Even pulled off a few tricks on the ball.

Liverpool

0-4: Sunday, 14th May

Did not play.

Middlesbrough

3-1: Saturday, 21st January

His final game befoe a (much-needed?) op. Caught woefully out of position for the 'Boro goal.

Crystal Palace

3-0: Saturday, 14th January

Did ok first half but was sacrificed in the switch to a flat back four.

Manchester City

0-5: Friday, 6th January

When Mbokana wasn’t tormenting Reid he moved on to Ogbonna with similar results.

Manchester United

0-2: Monday, 2nd January

When Mbokana wasn’t tormenting Reid he moved on to Ogbonna with similar results.

Leicester City

0-1: Saturday, 31st December

When Mbokana wasn’t tormenting Reid he moved on to Ogbonna with similar results.

Swansea City

4-1: Monday, 26th December

When Mbokana wasn’t tormenting Reid he moved on to Ogbonna with similar results.

Hull City

1-0: Saturday, 17th December

When Mbokana wasn’t tormenting Reid he moved on to Ogbonna with similar results.

Stoke City

1-1: Saturday, 5th November

Decent run out defensively and unfortunate not to open the scoring on the first half.

Southampton

0-3: Sunday, 25th September

Nowhere near the form that saw him capped by Italy in the Euros.

Astra Giurgiu

0-1: Thursday, 25th August

The best defender on show, but surrounded by a supporting cast of clowns.

AFC Bournemouth

1-0: Sunday, 21st August

Chelsea

1-2: Monday, 15th August

2015/16 Match Notes & Ratings

Manchester United

3-2: Tuesday, 10th May

Another impressive game. He has improved a lot over the course of the season.

Swansea City

1-4: Saturday, 7th May

A couple of hairy moments but overall another very satisfactory effort.

Watford

3-1: Wednesday, 20th April

Did not play.

Leicester City

2-2: Sunday, 17th April

His shaky 20 minutes coincided with the spell in which the damage was done.

Manchester United

1-2: Wednesday, 13th April

Spectacular he ain’t. Steady he is.

Arsenal

3-3: Saturday, 9th April

Didn’t let the early yellow put him off in the slightest.

Crystal Palace

2-2: Saturday, 2nd April

A decent performance in the main but his partnership with Reid turned all Laurel and Hardy for the second Equaliser.

Chelsea

2-2: Saturday, 19th March

Good display from a defender who is becoming a reliable base for the back four.

Manchester United

1-1: Sunday, 13th March

Spectacular he ain’t. Steady he is.

Everton

3-2: Saturday, 5th March

Did not play.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-0: Wednesday, 2nd March

Did not play.

Liverpool

2-1: Tuesday, 9th February

Kep Benteke in his pocket during our most recent meeting, didn't even have to try tonight.

Liverpool

0-0: Saturday, 30th January

Kep Benteke in his pocket during our most recent meeting, didn't even have to try tonight.

Newcastle United

1-2: Saturday, 16th January

Was doing ok before his hamstring gave out.

AFC Bournemouth

3-1: Tuesday, 12th January

The pick of our defenders on the night - some great challenges and interceptions.

Wolves

1-0: Saturday, 9th January

The quieter of the two centre halves but a good and effective match nevertheless.

Liverpool

2-0: Saturday, 2nd January

The quieter of the two centre halves but a good and effective match nevertheless.

Southampton

2-1: Sunday, 27th December

Got caught out of position quite a lot in the first half – often when trying to cover for Jenkinson. However, the full-back swap in the second half saw him regain some composure.

Aston Villa

1-1: Saturday, 26th December

A decent performance let down by conceding an utterly unnecessary penalty. Even though he was clearly impeded prior to the award.

Swansea City

0-0: Sunday, 20th December

A couple of hairy moments but overall another very satisfactory effort.

Tottenham Hotspur

1-4: Sunday, 22nd November

Did not play.

Everton

1-1: Saturday, 7th November

Did not play.

Watford

0-2: Saturday, 31st October

Did not play.

Chelsea

2-1: Saturday, 24th October

(Replaced Noble, 90+1) Just on for stoppage time at the end.

Crystal Palace

3-1: Saturday, 17th October

Did not play.

Newcastle United

2-0: Monday, 14th September

Was doing ok before his hamstring gave out.

Liverpool

3-0: Saturday, 29th August

How much did they pay for Benteke?

AFC Bournemouth

3-4: Saturday, 22nd August

Slightly unfortunate to have been taken ashore with little more than half an hour played.

Leicester City

1-2: Saturday, 15th August

His shaky 20 minutes coincided with the spell in which the damage was done.

Arsenal

2-0: Sunday, 9th August

Didn’t let the early yellow put him off in the slightest.

Arsenal

2-0: Sunday, 9th August

Superb. Threww himself into every challenge as if his life depended upon it. The toughest possible debut but expertly handled.