Erik Ten Hag has defended his number-one shot-stopper, David De Gea despite his first-half horrendous show at the London’s Stadium on Sunday night.
The gift saw West Ham United ensure they survived a relegation battle in the Premier League pushing them up to 37 points in the table, seven points ahead of the drop zone.
Ten Hag, however, attempted to downplay the error emphasising the Spaniard still boasts the highest clean sheet record in the season.
“I think we all know, David knows also, it’s a mistake, but he’s a brilliant goalkeeper. We may not be in this position when he didn’t show this shape over the course of the season,” he said.”
“Mistakes are part of football and we have to live with them and we have to bounce back as a team.”
The Dutchman rued the missed chances from his side and accepted it was an area that needed improvement.
“Of course, disappointed [not to score]. We created and we had the game in our hands. In front of the goal, we had to be more clinical. I counted four or five really good chances and it was not by coincidence. They were well played.”
He also said his players need not be sorry for themselves but keep a level head and chance down the Champions League spot.
“We have to keep going and we have to show character. It is only four games and you need the energy. It is in your head, make sure it is not in your legs. Get ready for the games, clear your head, energy, focus, and go.
“I said to the players: ‘Don’t feel sorry for ourselves.’ We want to be in the Champions League, the Champions League is our life, and then you have to suffer and you have to sacrifice and, especially, you have to believe.”
