Shaky West Ham need Fabian Balbuena back in the team ASAP

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West Ham United’s defensive woes continued at the weekend as they lost 2-0 to Everton at the London Stadium.

The Hammers conceded both goals in the first half and gave themselves a mountain to climb in the second 45.

Manuel Pellegrini described it as West Ham’s ‘worst performance of the year’ (via BBC Sport), and the result dents the club’s outside chances of sealing a Europa League place.

West Ham dropped to 11th in the Premier League table with the result, with Everton moving up to ninth.

Pellegrini’s side were toothless in attack having managed just three shots at goal – their lowest tally in a home game since 2005/06 – but their defensive showing was arguably even worse.

TBR’s view

West Ham were all over the place on Saturday.

While Angelo Ogbonna did OK, the likes of Issa Diop, Pablo Zabaleta and Aaron Cresswell all struggled for the hosts.

The Irons looked like they could concede from any given set piece and that would have been a major concern for Pellegrini.

West Ham have really missed their summer signing Fabian Balbuena and could do with him back to ensure a strong finish to the season.

The £6.5 million acquisition (Sky Sports) showed himself to be a bargain before getting injured against Watford in December.

The Paraguayan had to undergo surgery on his knee and has not featured for the club since.

He’s made the bench for the last few games but Pellegrini has been reluctant to reintegrate him – after his showing against Everton, perhaps Diop’s position should now come under threat.