Jean-Clair Todibo rued the fine margins that he believes cost West Ham United all three points against AFC Bournemouth on Saturday.
The Hammers overturned their 1-0 half-time deficit to lead by the 68th minute, thanks to Niclas Füllkrug and Jarrod Bowen headers, only for Evanilson to notch his second of the afternoon eleven minutes from time to make it 2-2 and leave both sides with a share of the spoils.
The Cherries’ Brazilian striker struck first when he was the quickest to react to Alphonse Areola’s save from a Antoine Semenyo shot, and then after beating the hosts’ offside trap to tap Dean Huijsen’s flick-on into the net.
While Todibo recognises the defensive improvements West Ham have made under the tutelage of Graham Potter - with the side having conceded just three goals in five prior to the visit of Bournemouth - he insists there is still work to do to improve.
“Overall, I would say I’m disappointed,” the 25-year-old said. “We did well, but at this level, small details are important, and I think it’s because of that that we’ve drawn today.
“I think we could have done better with both of the goals. We have to be better in these types of actions, with these small details.
“We’ve worked a lot and improved defensively of late, but we could’ve been better and got the win today. We’re going to keep working though, stay together and do our best until the end of the season.”
Füllkrug’s introduction as a 54th-minute substitute had a significant impact on proceedings at London Stadium, while skipper Bowen led from the front and duly notched his ninth goal of the season in all competitions.
Todibo continued: “Fülle is a world-class player, and I don’t think he has anything to prove in football. He’s already shown everyone just what a top striker he is.
“It’s great to have him back [following his recent three-month injury absence], and he’s going to help us. I don’t think people realise how good he is. He has everything, and his mentality is just unbelievable. He’s a real leader, and that’s just how he is naturally.
“I always say Jarrod is a top-class player, and similarly he has nothing to prove. He is one of the best in the league.
“He can do everything - he can play up front or out wide, and he is an international player for England as well. When you reach that level, I don’t think there can be any doubt about a player’s quality. We’re lucky to have both guys in our team.”
The Bournemouth clash marked Todibo’s 22nd for West Ham since his arrival last summer, and after missing periods of the season through injury, and sat out last Tuesday’s defeat at Wolverhampton Wanderers on the bench, he was delighted to be back involved.
Our No25 explained how he loves to defend and play the ball out from the back with his feet, and he is hoping to enjoy a strong run in the seven games remaining this season, to help the Irons further up the Premier League table.
He added: “I would say I’m confident with the ball, because that’s how I like to play football. I started out as a midfielder at Toulouse.
“Sometimes I can take risks, but never that much because I’m still a defender. With the ball, I’m always really confident, and I always try to do things to make it easier for the strikers and wingers, and create space.
“Without the ball, I just love to defend. I come from somewhere where you always want to go up against the guy in front of you, one against one. I just love that, and I love the challenge.
“I’m enjoying my football, and I just want to keep getting better and help West Ham win as many points as possible.”
