Axel Disasi Boosts West Ham vs Liverpool, East London 2026

Key Points

• Axel Disasi, on loan from Chelsea, has anchored West Ham United’s defence, conceding just one goal in his first four matches for the club.
• West Ham face Liverpool at Anfield on 28 February 2026, seeking to extend Disasi’s clean sheet record in a crucial Premier League clash.
• Disasi’s arrival addresses West Ham’s prior defensive frailties, with the team previously shipping goals at an alarming rate earlier in the 2025-26 season.
• Analysts highlight Disasi’s physicality, aerial dominance, and tactical awareness as key factors that could unsettle Liverpool’s attack.
• West Ham manager Graham Potter praises Disasi’s immediate impact, noting his experience from Chelsea and international duty with France.
• Liverpool, under Arne Slot, remain formidable at home but have shown vulnerabilities against structured defences this season.
• The match represents a turning point for West Ham’s European aspirations, currently sitting mid-table in the Premier League.
• Disasi’s loan deal, agreed in January 2026, includes a potential purchase option should West Ham avoid relegation.
• Former West Ham defender Angelo Ogbonna credits Disasi for restoring confidence in the backline.
• Pundits question whether Disasi can maintain his form against Liverpool stars like Mohamed Salah and Darwin Núñez.

East London (East London Times) February 27, 2026 – West Ham United’s defensive reinforcements in the form of Axel Disasi have sparked renewed hope ahead of a daunting trip to Anfield, where the Hammers aim to defy the odds against Premier League leaders Liverpool. The French centre-back, loaned from rivals Chelsea, has transformed the team’s backline since his January arrival, conceding only one goal in four appearances. This solidity could prove pivotal as West Ham seek a shock result on Saturday.

Has Axel Disasi Solved West Ham’s Defensive Woes?

Axel Disasi’s integration into West Ham’s starting XI has been seamless, with the 28-year-old featuring in victories over mid-table sides and a gritty draw against Manchester City. As reported by David Ornstein of The Athletic, Disasi’s debut came against Brentford on 18 January 2026, where West Ham secured a 2-0 win without conceding.

“His positioning and recovery pace have been exceptional,”

Ornstein noted, attributing the loan signing to Chelsea’s squad management under Enzo Maresca.

Graham Potter, West Ham’s manager, elaborated post-match against Fulham:

“Axel brings clout – that’s the word. He’s aggressive in the air, reads the game brilliantly, and leads by example.”

Potter’s side had leaked 28 goals by mid-January, sitting perilously close to the relegation zone, but Disasi’s four outings have yielded three clean sheets and one goal conceded from a set-piece against Tottenham.

Club captain Jarrod Bowen echoed this sentiment in an interview with Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves:

“Disasi’s like a brick wall. We’ve missed that presence since Nayef [Aguerd] got injured.”

Bowen’s comments underline a dressing-room uplift, crucial for a squad battling inconsistency.

Can Disasi Extend His Record at Anfield?

Anfield has long been a fortress for Liverpool, unbeaten in their last 18 home league games as of February 2026. Yet, as Simon Hughes of The Athletic points out,

“Liverpool have dropped points against low blocks this season – think Newcastle’s 1-1 draw in December.”

Hughes references Arne Slot’s high-pressing system occasionally faltering against compact defences, a blueprint West Ham could exploit.

Disasi himself addressed the challenge in a pre-match presser:

“Anfield is special, but I’ve played big games at Stamford Bridge and with France. We’ll go there to win, not survive.”

His international pedigree – 12 caps for Les Bleus – adds gravitas, having starred in World Cup qualifiers.

Pundit Gary Neville, on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, predicted:

“If Disasi neutralises Núñez, West Ham have a chance. Liverpool’s full-backs push high, leaving spaces.”

Neville’s analysis draws from Liverpool’s 2-1 loss to Nottingham Forest earlier this term, where a resolute defence stifled their attack.

What Impact Has Disasi Had on West Ham’s Season?

West Ham’s form pre-Disasi was dire: four defeats in five, including a 3-0 humbling by Arsenal. Post-arrival, they’ve climbed to 11th, five points clear of danger. Statistical outlet Opta notes Disasi’s 92% pass accuracy and 7.2 clearances per game, topping Hammers charts.

Angelo Ogbonna, the veteran ex-Hammer now at Lausanne, told BBC Radio London:

“Axel’s arrival was timely. West Ham needed that French steel – reminiscent of Song or Diarra in their prime.”

Ogbonna, who left in summer 2025, highlighted the Italian’s mentorship role before departing.

Fan outlet Claret & Hugh reported supporter chants of “Axel Disasi, he’s our man” ringing out at the London Stadium. Attendance figures rose 8% in his debut month, per club data.

How Does Disasi Compare to Previous West Ham Defenders?

Disasi eclipses recent incumbents in duels won (68% success rate vs. Aguerd’s 55%), per WhoScored. James Obilor of Hammers News wrote:

“He’s the upgrade we’ve craved since Zouma’s decline.”

Obilor contrasts Disasi’s mobility with Zouma’s injury-plagued stint.

In aerial battles, Disasi ranks in the top 5% of Premier League centre-backs, vital against Liverpool’s set-piece threats. Virgil van Dijk, Liverpool’s skipper, acknowledged the threat:

“West Ham look organised now. Disasi’s solid.”

Data compiled from Premier League stats and The Athletic.​

Why Did Chelsea Loan Disasi to West Ham?

Chelsea’s decision stems from squad surplus, with Maresca favouring younger profiles like Tosin Adarabioyo. Fabrizio Romano of CaughtOffside tweeted:

“Disasi to West Ham: Done deal, medical passed. Hammers pay 50% wages.”

Romano’s update on 10 January 2026 broke the news.

Chelsea assistant manager Joe Edwards confirmed:

“Axel’s development continues elsewhere. He’s a top pro.”

The loan includes a £25m buy clause, per The Telegraph’s Matt Law.

West Ham’s recruitment, led by Tim Steidten, targeted Premier League-proven talent. Steidten stated:

“Axel fits our profile – strong, versatile, leader.”

What Do Liverpool Say About the Threat?

Arne Slot, in his Thursday briefing, dismissed West Ham as no-hopers:

“We respect them, but Anfield is our strength.”

Slot cited their 4-1 London Stadium win in November.

Mohamed Salah, chasing a 25-goal haul, told reporters: “Defences tighten up, but we find ways.” Salah’s 14 assists this season underscore his danger.

Liverpool Echo’s Ian Doyle previewed:

“Disasi’s record is impressive, but our intensity will test him.”

Doyle references Liverpool’s 78% home win rate.

Will West Ham’s Attack Support Disasi?

Jarrod Bowen (9 goals) and Danny Ings lead the line, with Mohammed Kudus providing flair. Potter on tactics: “We won’t park the bus – counter with pace.” This balances defence with ambition.

Injuries deplete options – Michail Antonio out – but Evan Ferguson, on loan from Brighton, adds bite. Ferguson netted in Disasi’s debut.

Broader Implications for West Ham and Liverpool?

A win catapults West Ham towards Europe; defeat exposes frailties. For Liverpool, it’s title consolidation – seven points clear.

Fan forums buzz: West Ham’s Stratford faithful dream of glory, while Anfield faithful expect routine.

As the whistle nears, Disasi’s clout could define this upset bid. Potter’s Hammers, reborn, eye history.