Despite ultimate disappointment at Etihad Stadium on Sunday, defender Dinos Mavropanos was proud of the resilience and never-say-die attitude displayed by West Ham United throughout their 3-1 defeat at the hands of newly-crowned Premier League champions Manchester City.
The hosts, knowing a victory would secure a record-breaking fourth consecutive top-flight title, burst out of the blocks, with Phil Foden putting them ahead inside 80 seconds. When he scored his second just 16 minutes later, many would have feared the worst for the Hammers.
Mohammed Kudus’ stunning overhead kick just before the break gave the Irons hope of an unlikely comeback, but they were undone by Rodri’s well-taken strike after 59 minutes from outside the area, and that ultimately sealed the three points, and the league crown, for Pep Guardiola's Citizens.
For Mavropanos, who returned to make his first appearance since being withdrawn against Fulham on 14 April, it was a strong team performance, and he insists that West Ham are aiming to be even stronger next season.
“I am happy to be back on the pitch obviously, and it was nice to play the last game of the season and try to help the team," our No15 said.
"We did everything we could, but we couldn’t get a result. Throughout the season we have had some ups and downs, and we want to make sure we come back stronger [next season].
“Against these types of teams you have to be a bit stronger defensively, and this is what we tried to do. We managed to get a goal [before half-time] and tried to get back into the game, but it was really difficult after their third goal.
“I thought we were really strong at the back and were a little bit unlucky to concede a goal in the second minute. That made our work a bit more difficult, but we gave our best and we defended as hard and to the best we could.”
The Greece international, who marked his 33rd appearance in Claret and Blue on Sunday, reflected on his first season back in the Premier League, having previously played for London rivals Arsenal between 2018 and 2022.
Results elsewhere before the weekend had already confirmed a ninth-place finish for West Ham in 2023/24, and Mavropanos is looking to build on that next season, as the players aim to work their way back into European football.
He added: “Of course, we as a team wanted to get into the European positions, but we didn’t make it. On a personal level, I have tried to help the team and work as hard as I can every day to try and get better.
“It feels very nice to be back playing in the Premier League and of course with West Ham.
“I think with a long season and having so many games, it affects you mentally and physically, so every player needs some time off. Some players will play in the [UEFA] Euro 2024 and others in the Copa América. I think we need to get the energy back and come back stronger.”
