Ogbonna hails Diop partnership

Angelo Ogbonna celebrates with Issa Diop

Angelo Ogbonna says his central defensive partnership with Issa Diop is getting better and better with each game.

The pair have featured together in every Premier League game since Fabian Balbuena suffered a knee injury prior to Christmas and Ogbonna was thrilled to see the Frenchman notch his first league goal for the club in Friday's 3-1 victory against Fulham.

Now, as the Hammers prepare to face Manchester City on Wednesday, Ogbonna is focused on helping to repel the Carabao Cup winners' significant attacking threat.

“It is very good between Issa and myself, he said. “We have adapted so quickly to everything and I think we work well together. 

“We can fight, we can pass the ball and help the team to play.

“It was good to see him score because he got that high. He is a very good defender and has a lot of potential and finally he has scored his first Premier League goal.

“When the defenders get into the box, we must do the most to help the team.

“On Friday it was Issa, last time it was me and before Balbuena, so I think we have had many chances to score and help the team.

“We have to be focused on our game on Wednesday. We know they are a top team with a lot of quality. I scored against them before, but I think it is better if the strikers score. We shall see."