Alan Smith criticizes Konstantinos Mavropanos during West Ham United’s 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace.
Alan Smith was unapologetic after a mistake by Konstantinos Mavropanos led to Crystal Palace’s equalizer against West Ham on Sunday 3 December.
The Hammers appeared to be at ease against their London rivals, with a Mohammed Kudus goal giving them a 1-0 lead at halftime.
The visitors, however, came out much stronger in the second half, with Odsonne Edouard capitalizing on a poor mistake by Mavropanos by latching onto a wayward pass.
“It’s a West Ham mistake, a gift,” Smith said live on Sky Sports (3:10pm on November 3).
“That’s a body blow to West Ham, whose goal hasn’t even been threatened yet.”
“It’s simply a lack of focus.” Mavropanos simply does not look.”
‘A Greek gift,’ they say.
While the Greek defender was not expected to start the match, replacing Kurt Zouma due to personal issues, the experienced defender is expected to remain focused in the Premier League. David Moyes had no choice but to include him in the squad.
Since joining the club in August, the defender has made 10 appearances in all competitions for the Hammers. Half of those games have all taken place in the Europa League, propelling the club to the top of their group with one game remaining.
With only one Premier League start to his name this season, a 3-2 loss to Brentford, it’s possible that the 25-year-old isn’t used to the league’s intensity yet, or that he wasn’t in the right mindset due to a presumed bench spot.
In any case, it was a shocking error to concede in a game in which West Ham appeared to be in control and Palace did not appear to be capable of scoring.
In other West Ham news, the club is seriously considering a January move for Crystal Palace striker Odsonne Edouard.
