These are extraordinary and truly wonderful times – the like of which I have not witnessed in 60 years of watching the mighty Irons.
Having looked at the starting line-up I believed I was looking at the weakest team the manager could put on the pitch .
But at the end we saw in the penalty shoot-out what is making this team so great – the self confidence of every one of our five was so fabulous to watch.
Body language is a huge giveaway before a penalty is taken and in Nobes, Bowen, Dawson. Cresswell and Benrahma we saw five guys displaying nothing but certainty that the ball was going to hit the back of the net.
The pressure not to miss was from the start when City’s first penalty was struck wide but the five simply took the remainder of the shoot out entirely in their stride. That most certainly wouldn’t always have been the case over past seasons. The spirit and self confidence is the key to everything.
It was clear the manager had been ensuring that plenty of training ground practice had preceded such a situation.
Not one of them looked likely to miss and I was particularly pleased for Mark. His joy was clear after scoring having missed against Manchester United in the League.
I am doubly pleased that such a loyal servant is likely to be ending his playing days with the season of his and our Hammers lives.
The defence had been brilliant over the 90 minutes and the midfield had battled like crazy, Areola was utterly magnificent – we are currently a team that doesn’t know how to lose.
Staggering, stunning amazing times.
COYI
Agree Hugh defence magnificent loved Dawson’s whole attitude – Pearcie Mark 2!! NOBES everywhere and the penalties fabulous – Benrahma did really well with the pressure of the last one. Joy to watch them give it all. COYI
The penalty shoot out did Epitomise the NEW West Ham. Firstly we were prepared. You could tell that Moyes had them fully practised and prepared. The team knew exactly who were the 5 penalty takers. And probably those following if needed. Compare that to Man C. You could see on TV Pep asking Greelish and others “Are you O K to take a penalty”.
Moyes also learnt from the Noble Man U penalty. 3 key penalty takers were introduced to the match 20 minutes before the end. Making sure they were up to speed of the match, before taking such an important kick. Also would like to mention the great penalty by Benrahma. The pressure on the last penalty taker would have been enormous. Not only that the goalkeeper went the right way, and if the penalty wasn’t perfectly placed he would have saved it. The penalty was absolutely perfect.