3 stars who cost West Ham points against Burnley.
West Ham United had a disappointing Premier League showing on Sunday, losing 2-2 at home to Burnley, one of the division’s poorest teams.
It has been a trying year for the Hammers, who are seeing their chances of qualifying for European football dwindle following a stormy start to the season.
More concerns are being raised about manager David Moyes following this dismal loss, but here are three players who cost West Ham important points at home.
Kalvin Phillips, DM
New loan signature. Kalvin Phillips has frequently been the poorest player on the pitch for West Ham since joining the club after Manchester City stated that he had no place in their starting lineup.
Phillips, who was once one of the greatest defensive midfielders in the English first division while playing for Leeds United, is displaying signs that he is still a long way from that level of form and confidence.
Even against relegation prospects Burnley, the 28-year-old was entirely out of place, making little effect on either side of the ball.
For a player known as a top-class destroyer, Phillips’ performance against Burnley was dismal, with only one tackle and no interceptions, and he was unable to provide enough back-line coverage. Obviously, he needs to improve.
Constantinos Mavropanos, CB
Konstantinos Mavropanos, a former Arsenal player, is one of the best centre backs in German football and has the potential to be a top-tier Premier League player.
On this day, Mavropanos didn’t show it, scoring an own goal for the visitors and playing just as poorly elsewhere. He did not even finish 60 percent of his passes, which is horrifying and completely out of character for him.
James Ward-Prowse, AM.
James Ward-Prowse began the season as the Premier League’s finest signing, with Tottenham’s James Maddison, and appeared to be a viable Player of the Season candidate.
Ward-Prowse, West Ham’s set-piece specialist and playmaker, has been underwhelming recently. He struggled in the first half of the draw with Burnley and was replaced by Phillips. This was a disaster for the player, who appears to lack confidence.
