The Hammers were thrashed by the Greek powerhouses at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium, suffering their first Europa League loss of the year and their second straight loss overall.

The ball bobbed past Alphonse Areola in the West Ham goal, ending the Hammers’ 17-game European winning streak. Meanwhile, veteran center-back Ogbonna was at fault for Olympiacos’ second goal as he attempted to clear a shot.

Neither was the Italian’s performance on Thursday night particularly impressive to the English media (26 October).

“Dreadful attempt at a clearance that didn’t need to be made ended in an own-goal and crucial Olympiacos cushion before half-time,” the Evening Standard stated in their online version following the game. Reserved and perhaps a little lucky not to get a second yellow card right away.

The Independent (October 26,) rated the Italian at a score of 3/10 and called his error a “Greek tragedy.”

Although Ogbonna’s performance indicated a player lacking not only experience but also, and maybe more importantly, quality, David Moyes undoubtedly defended his seasoned and experienced defender following the game last night.

Given how awful the Italian international was last night, Moyes must be regretting his choice to start him at such an important juncture in their European adventure.

As West Ham United discovered last night, you simply cannot go to Olympiacos and start playing second fiddle players. That may be the last time we see Ogbonna start for the Hammers.

Though it’s obvious that he no longer possesses the necessary skill to play among the best, the former Juventus defender has always shown himself to be an absolute stalwart when called upon by Moyes.

Ogbonna shouldn’t start again if the East Londoners hope to win the competition come May.