It was a great way to go into the international break and this evening the Irons sit in seventh place with seven points and the goals deficit to just minus one after that awful first day defeat.
Three of the reasons why are down to the sensational Seb Haller – one of the most exciting strikers I’ve seen at West Ham in all my years.
Yeah, I can here the shouts now that he’s only been here for four games and it’s too early to judge.
It’s not and that he has made such an impression so quickly is one of the reasons why I can say it with such confidence.
So much is said of players needing time to settle in. Great players don’t and when Manuel Pellegrini yesterday described him as a “complete player” he nailed it.
He added: “ He scores a lot of goals, but he works a lot for the team. He holds the ball from our long goal kicks, he works hard, he prepares the moments for other players.
“We are seeing a complete player who will continue improving with every game.”
And there’s something else that impresses me enormously – he’s a proper professional and never moans as was the case when from my seat in Bobby Moore Upper – and confirmed by TV – it was clear that he was the victim of a penalty that never was.
He was clearly brought down and why VAR was not used only the referee knows but at no stage did the big centre forward moan, groan or start pointing fingers.
He picked himself off the deck and got on with it which was so refreshing in these excitable times when you sometimes wonder whether World War Three will break out over who has win a throw in.
And afterwards the Frenchman didn’t mention the incident but was keen only to talk up the positives saying: “Of course I am really happy, not only for my goal but especially because it’s important to get a good start to the season.
“Every point we gain now is one we don’t have to look for at the end, so I think it’s important to win before the international break.
“I’m a striker, so I’m really happy of course to score. These are my first games for this club, so it’s really important to score goals to get the confidence, and share the confidence with the team and everyone around me.
“It’s not easy [to adapt]. The duels, the intensity of the runs and everything, but I am trying to adapt myself, to speak with everyone, to try to do everything to get the good information to do the things to do well.
“It’s only the first games, and my first goals, so hopefully I will get more for this club.”
I have everything crossed he stays fit because he is a natural and is the guy who can fire us into those European places.
Fingers crossed he’ll steer clear of injuries coz he looks the real deal so far.
1 million times better than Arnie and Chicharitho in terms of … right attitude, passion and skill. From day 1, Haller is not afraid to tackle and stop attacks building up from opponents back line. He’s hard grafting has really helped the team, and esp in yesterday’s match, many balls got stolen from the opposition through high pressing spearheaded by this man. Sadly, some WH centre-forwards who had gone before him refused to apply themselves like Haller does. Therefore, He is a great find and will prove to be one of the best strikers West Ham has displayed. Long may he stay fit and strong and successful at WH, and thereby just as Lanzini may his International and higher dreams come true. God bless.
Love him already ! COYI ⚒
Looks like a great signing and makes you feel so glad Gomez turned us down. Just so much pressure on him now, just to stay fit. With Chic leaving, Antonio seemingly long term crocked and Ajeti probably not quite ready for the job. We’re worrying thin up top now.