After another impressive tackle from Thilo Kehrer on the south coast, the name of West Ham United’s No24 rang around St Mary’s Stadium.
'Thilo, Thilo, Thilo' was the cry from the Claret and Blue Army.
Already, the travelling Hammers fans have liked what they have seen from the Germany defender. And in the Irons 1-1 draw against Southampton, his eighth Premier League appearance was a case of more of the same.
Against the Saints, Kehrer played in the middle of a back-three alongside Ben Johnson and Aaron Cresswell, showing impressive versatility. In two months, he has been entrusted by David Moyes to play numerous positions across the defensive line - and shone once more as the Hammers made it five unbeaten in all competitions.
At St Mary's, Declan Rice's second-half strike ultimately earned the Hammers a deserved point, although Kehrer was convinced West Ham should have returned to east London with two more.
“I think we played well,” Kehrer stated. “But maybe the first 15 to 20 minutes, it was very hard to control the game. After [that point] we created a lot of chances. It was good that we could get one goal. We hoped for a second, a third maybe. But in the end, we could not get it."
With 20 minutes played, the Hammers were aggrieved with the manner of the Saints’ opener - a feeling that has become commonplace in recent weeks.
Saïd Benrahma’s strike was ruled out at Nottingham Forest. Maxwel Cornet’s effort was chalked off at Chelsea. But Romain Perraud's effort stood, despite the Irons’ protests.
Aggravated about referee Peter Bankes appearing to accidentally impede Jarrod Bowen as he tried to get to the ball, the Hammers were left bemused once more, as Perraud was able to gather the ball on the edge of the area and strike at goal, scoring via a deflection. Hard luck, and then some.
“I think the refs and the VAR needs to take responsibility,” Kehrer added, on the opening goal. “It is a topic that is discussed so much – and I have no interest to be part of it.
“Apart from the first 15 minutes, we did very well. We weren’t so effective [as we have been in other matches infront of the goal]. We controlled most of the game, had most of the chances, and on another day we get the win.
“We are on a good run and progressing well. We want to keep on the good performances, and that will lead to good results. We are looking forward to [Liverpool on] Wednesday.”
