Werder Bremen 1 Irons 0
The Irons slumped to their first defeat of pre-season in Germany but the real story of the night was the emergence of a new young star in the shape of Declan Rice.
Despite a lack lustre first half in which the Germans took the lead through Eggestein, the seven young Hammers included by manager Slaven Bilic performed well with Rice looking a defender to die for.
Nathan Holland on the right wing looked a class act and as always comfortable but it was the young Irishman who warmed the heart with some brilliant interventions and always composed approach to things.
And Bilic decided that despite drafting in Jose Fonte along with six other first teamers in the seocnd half to let the No 15 stay on for the 90 minutes.
The boy took his chance in immaculate style, walked away with the ClaretandHugh man of the match award and should he maintain this form will put the pressure on the boss to start him at Manchester United.
There was no sign of Joe Hart as Adrian stayed on throughout and made one incredible double save to keep the score down to the 1-0
Zabaleta was outstanding on the right side and Masuaku was superb on the left whilst we got our first look at record signing Arnautovic who was dangerous on the ball but there’s clearly a lot more to come.
Ok, disappointing to lose but the boys looked much fitter in that second half than at the same stage last season and it will be fascinating to see what sort of team Slav puts out for the return tomorrow afternoon.
Irons: Adrian, Byram (Zabaleta 60), Burke (Arnautovic 60), Collins (Fonte 60), Cresswell (Masuaku 60), Rice, Noble © (Obiang 34), Cullen (Fernandes 60), Holland (Snodgrass 60), Makasi, Martinez (Ayew 60)
Subs not used: Hart (GK), Ogbonna
For a team that had no lanzini, Antonio, Carroll, Feghouli or Sakho, I think they did well. Snodgrass was poor again, apart from one classy but of skill.
I have to admit Ayew is non existent and so was Martinez.
I think we need to play with 2 up front because we don’t create enough with 1 up front.
Forgot it was on again.Bad fan.Too busy having a few pints😂
I only remembered because my friend texted me Lama Lol
Rice is an impressive young player.Another game under the belt in preseason.I read nothing into these games played at half throttle.
Rice might be the best signing of the summer for West Ham… metaphorically, since he was already there, but not first team. His brief appearance at the end of last season revealed he was calm and composed, even though he played in a sort of DM role, and with a great touch of the ball. He even gave and excellent through ball that could have ended in goal if I remember well. I hope he is not one f this who disappoint after great hopes placed in him. Something tells me he won’t. Get him on the first team now.
On another note, happy to read that Adrain was apparently magnifico. His pride has been tickled and if he stays, he will fight for the number one spot.
There was no Hernandez as well. Hart will start in goal that is guaranteed unless his form drops.
Playing on a Friday? What’s that all about. Premier Sport (joke name!) probably insisted on it. My theory is the station is owned by the Spuds & they are doing their best to get revenge for the scarf lol.
I’m baffled.