OPINION
West Ham United’s defenders have been looking rather sorry for themselves recently.
The morale would have undoubtedly not been boosted by their recent performances, which has seen them lose four games on the bounce in the Premier League.
This is why they must count themselves lucky that Everton’s star summer signing Richarlison is absent for this Sunday’s key clash due to a suspension over a red card he gained a few weeks ago.
Everton have been hit with a number of injuries for this fixture – the Liverpool Echo reported that recent arrival Yerry Mina was one of them – but the 5ft 9in [Transfermarkt] attacker’s absence will surely be the most important one.
He has made an excellent start to life on Merseyside, having already netted three goals since he made the move from Watford in the last transfer window.
Nevertheless, he has been wreaking havoc on his opponents’ defences, a prospect which the Hammers would have been sweating about if it were not for his sending off against Bournemouth.
If anything, this is a stroke of luck for boss Manuel Pellegrini at the moment, and it bodes well for his team to gain a positive result away from home.
His back line has been diabolical of late, and they have certainly been the main cause of their dreadful outings so far.
If the Brazilian ace would have featured this weekend, he would have had a field day with the state the Irons’ defence are in at the moment.
For some reason, they opt to defend in a high line, a tactic which has danger written all over it.
This allows teams to come in behind them easily, something which Richarlison would have done with no problems whatsoever.
The 21-year-old has the ability to be one of the top-flight’s most prolific wingers if he carries on his recent form – but West Ham must count themselves lucky that they do not have to contend with it on Sunday.