Slav kisses and Big Sam jibes as Irons roar on
The Mirror’s James Nu
Here are the bits I really liked:
Mark Noble’s match-winning double was greeted by Slaven Bilic blowing the Hammers’ captain a kiss from the touchline.
“It’s the European way, the Croatian way,” smiled manager Bilic after his side boosted their European hopes – their 10th Premier League game unbeaten.
Noble’s impressive goals capped a man-of-the-match performance and took his tally to four in two games. It left the ecstatic away fans singing: “Are you watching Allardyce” and “we play on the floor” in jibes at unpopular ex-boss Sam Allardyce’s brand of football.
Bilic’s reign has become a love story for the old Hammers’ favourite, their fans and his players too, especially Noble.
He is thriving in a box-to-box role as West Ham enjoy more possession under Bilic following the ex-Croatia international and national team manager’s arrival last June.
Noble explained: “We passed it well and really enjoyed the ball.
“It makes life a lot easier when you keep the ball and rest with it. You come off the pitch with a lot more energy for the next game.
“You can run all day when you have the ball. It is when you haven’t got the ball that it’s hard work.
“It’s really gone well this season and I am playing a bit further forward. But I can get back and help out as well.”
On this form West Ham will be confident of taking more points from Swansea, Manchester United and Stoke to ensure European football at the Olympic Stadium.