Robert Snodgrass brought some interesting observations after the victory over Villa at Walsall revealing: “ The lads were great and Aston Villa started a week before us as well, so we’re in good shape and we’re ticking along nicely.”
After spending last season at Villa Park many believed Snoddy’s Hammers career was at an end but, although it’s difficult to draw hard and fast conclusions, he looks right now as though he in Manuel Pellegrini’s thinking.
He had a fine second half against Villa capped with a well taken goal and said: “If you see the likes of the forward-thinking players we’ve got with Arnautovic, Antonio, Anderson and Yarmolenko, you’ve got loads of options and people moving off the ball, so when you get that chance, why not try and take it?
“Anybody watching that first half, and the second half in spells, would see us coming in off the line and the full-backs getting around. That’s exactly what the boss has brought to the table.
“This record speaks for itself. He’s phenomenal. The lads have taken to him and his staff straight away and there’s a good feel about the place. We’re working day and night and doing a lot of things to start the season well and get a good start.”
“ I’m a West Ham player. I’ve loved my time here when I’ve been involved and playing, but obviously last year I went out and played games and bonded with the Aston Villa fans, staff and players and everyone around the city, so I appreciate them for that.
“But for me, I want to try and get minutes and play in my position. I played tonight and got a chance and it’s great to get a goal, but the performance in the first half was pleasing.
“In my first season and against Wycombe, I was having shots cleared off the line and things, but I took my chance when it came and hopefully it’s the first of many.”
I desperately hope he continues to improve and add value. I thought he was (only) okay last night, but appreciate other views differ from mine. Glad to see him take that goal, but there were a few messy touches and missed passes too. If he does continue to get better, it would be a like a free new signing, and that is a good thing.