By Louis Nixon

West Ham faced another dismal loss last night, but one of the concerns was about the wide defenders and how they performed across the 90. 

Ollie Scarles was hooked off in the 63rd minute but it wasn’t due to his performance, it was more due to the fact he was visibly drained out of his mind and was struggling to cope.

His central defender alongside him, Jean-Clair Todibo, whilst the Frenchman had a good game, it wasn’t hard to tell that he wasn’t 100% match fit, which meant Scarles often found himself having to cover, or mark three players at once… not easy in the slightest! 

His stats also prove his good game, he made 4 passes into the final third, providing his attacking ability and to put it into perspective, Paqueta only made 2 passes into the final third all game… Scarles also managed 14 defensive contributions, making 4 tackles and 7 clearances. 

Additionally whilst he had glimpses of positivity, Kyle Walker-Peters also played as if he wasn’t 100%, he made crucial runs, big tackles, but his movement suggested that he wasn’t still nursing a small injury that he’s accumulated over the winter period.

However, it isn’t all doom and gloom for the Hammers given that Wan-Bissaka is now on his way back from AFCON after Congo were knocked out, he’s expected to return in time for the FA Cup fixture against QPR.  

Whilst there certainly were positives to pick out from the fullbacks, all in all, not being able to play a match at your 100% ability can be harmful, and it emphasises exactly why depth is required in the Premier League.