We are the mighty West Ham United again

Match verdict from Hughie Southon

I wrote a piece earlier declaring that I was praying for an ‘Only West Ham’ performance against the Gooners and my goodness were those prayers answered.

We did what we often do on occasions such as this – produce a performance completely out of character with what has gone before .

Apart from an opening 10 minutes when the North London outfit took a two goal lead we looked a truly fiery team with energy to burn.

And that the Gooners keeper Ramsdale had more saves to make in the first half  – nine – than at any time this season tells it’s own story.

Even Lady Luck smiled on us when the visitors missed a penalty by yards with Bukayo Saka holding  his head in total disbelief.

The Hammers were a different outfit to any we have seen this season as they got hold of the bit after those early goals from  Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard.

They not so much clawed their way back into the game as marched into it when Saïd Benrahama converted an ice cool penalty with 33 minutes on the clock.

Mickey Antonio – who had a fabulous game supported by my man of the match Jarrod Bowen  – was adjudged harshly I though to have handled early in the second half and justice was done when Saka missed.

Bowen was quite superb throughout and levelled things with a beautiful volley and a missed Antonio header near the end should have given us the game.

It truly was the most massive of points and how great to feel truly proud at the end with Declan leading the applause for the magnificent supporters.

There will be no fear of Liverpool and Bournemouth after this performance – the confidence should be flowing from a game which nobody expecting to get a thing from.

Well done you Hammers, well done Moyes – we move on.