Former England and Arsenal striker Ian Wright believes centre-back Nayef Aguerd was crucial to helping West Ham United earn a point at Newcastle United on Saturday evening.
The Hammers continued their recent run of improved form at St James’ Park with a 1-1 draw, despite going 1-0 down inside the opening minutes via Callum Wilson’s early finish. Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta converted at the end of a Declan Rice corner to seal a point for David Moyes’ side before half-time.
For West Ham, their well-earned point against Champions League hopefuls Newcastle came via some excellent defending from Moroccan international defender Aguerd, who was making just his fourth Premier League start after signing in the summer, having missed most of the first half of the season through injury.
READ NEXT: 'Blown out of the water' - David Moyes makes transfer record claim on West Ham's Declan Rice
His display, including a stunning last-man tackle on Wilson to prevent him from making it 2-1, impress ex-Gunners forward Wright, who spoke highly of the former Stade Rennais defender on BBC’s Match of the Day.
“He was (impressive), £30million from Rennes, Moroccan, played very, very well in the World Cup,” Wright said. “I thought that what he did today, you like to think he should have done what he was doing but I thought he was quite impressive.
“He didn’t let anyone really get past him, he was right in people’s faces, he was there to mop up all of the problems that were caused, if they tried to go over the top, he showed great pace, good positional play.
“I thought he did that very, very well. This was brilliant from him, Callum (Wilson) would have been disappointed he didn’t get across him but he got that fantastically well there and again, just covering (Angelo) Ogbonna there and just seeing it out.
“I thought he did very, very well today and he was one of the reasons why they probably got that point today.”
READ MORE
Every word David Moyes said on West Ham's draw vs Newcastle, Declan Rice, Nayef Aguerd and more
David Moyes' verdict on West Ham response vs Newcastle as 'immense' point made on midfield duo
West Ham player ratings: Nayef Aguerd shines as Lucas Paqueta scores in Newcastle United draw
Declan Rice makes West Ham statement after 'massive' result with Newcastle United draw
FA and ITV confirm fixture date and time decision ahead of Manchester United vs West Ham tie
