t’s not always been usual for us to apply the words resolute, determined and committed to West Ham but all that and more was in evidence this afternoon.
No, of course it wasn’t a great performance – we were off our game but I honestly didn’t feel at any time we were likely to be pulled back once we got in front.
Having said that, there was a laziness and a tiredness in our play and it all became a bit to open and shapeless at times. But there remains a resilience and spirit in the team which has been instilled by the manager.
Even when they are under the cosh they work for each other and none more so than Michail Antonio who was absolutely outstanding today.
I was very impressed when he said after the game that the goal was the result of extra practice he’s been putting in on the left foot.
That he’s prepared to stay behind and put in time on the training ground like that is praiseworthy and it’s great when it gets an immediate reward like today’s match winner.
I was also impressed to hear him say he is happy to play anywhere in the team when told Sam Byram would be missing for the next two games.
This is a very committed footballer and he is going to go from strength to strength with us.
Not a great Irons performance but three points is three points – onwards and upwards.
COYI
Agree they never looked like a team that hat would score,better Byram gets his ban out of the way now and not sure we would be better with anyone else at right back,
Antonio gives us options like Cresswell going forward,
But happy with the win we don’t need to try and find fault with our players,just move on with our record still intact I would except the same result against the Spuds but would like to be entertained as well.
If Messi had scored that goal it would have been all over the TV
Thank god we’ve got the Ant, a superb player, maybe not the most technically gifted but he always puts in exactly 100% (you can’t do more than that btw) and he covers so much of the pitch; I will be delighted to see him at RB on Wednesday night because with his seemingly limitless energy he will still provide the overlap for (Moses?) and play in every other position as well!
COYI !!
Even with a bit of naivety and gaucheness on occasions, Antonio is now one of my favourite Hammers by a long way. His attiude, commitment, guts, never-say-die, never stops running, team player, no hissy fits…scores and makes goals! What is not to like?!! He is an example to all. What a STAR!
Disappointing display generally yesterday; with the creativity of Lanzini and Payet, one would have thought they could have opened them up, but didn’t happen.
I thought Carroll was brilliant; made himself a real nuisance, and, again, good work in defence too.
We do struggle against the ‘lesser’ teams, but got a result all the same. Let’s see if we can show what we can really do against Spurs on Weds…fingers crossed! COYI!
Love Antonio, such a class act.
I like that we’ve dipped into the Championship and found some gems: Cresswell, Bryam and Antonio.
I think Lanzini Payet Antonio is our best set up if we’re playing three attacking midfielders.
So it’s so pleasing to see Antonio and Payet banging in goals of late and Lanzini back in team! Cannot wait to have Sakho back in there too!
Lets keep marching, happy days!