West Ham came from behind again to win their second game in succession – for the first time this year – after conceding first against Scott Parker’s Burnley at London stadium.
Unlike the win over Newcastle, this was a more scrappy, less flowing performance relying more on force of will and a steely determination by West Ham to pull themselves back into the game, rather than by inspired midfield play as was the case last weekend.
No matter: Three points is the outcome and West Ham now match Burnley in all but goal difference.
This was a tale again of Nuno’s substitutions all looking sound. Initially when Soucek came on for Freddie Potts after an hour the worry was that Tomas wouldn’t be able to match Potts’ dynamism in midfield.
Nuno’s substitutes all impacted the game as West Ham came from behind to win
However ten minutes later, Wilson was off, Magassa was on in midfield and Soucek was pushed up into an auxiliary striker role, in which he excelled. ‘Supersub’ Soucek – who knew! Two goals in two games now for the Hammer who has today equalled the Czech goal scoring record in the Premier league – 38- held by Patrik Berger and now jointly, with Tomas Soucek himself
A ‘Tornado Tom’ chested – in cross whilst sat on the far post gave West Ham the lead, and then his low shot to the ‘keeper’s right was only half parried into the path of the onrushing Walker Peters – another substitute – who got the tap-in ahead of Jarrod Bowen to put the Hammers 3 – 1 up in the last minutes.
Sharper eyes than mine also picked up that 85th minute substitute Igor Julio had won back possession and played the ball through to Soucek- meaning three of the four replacements were pivotal in helping Nuno’s side get over the line. For the second time, Walker Peters replaced Crysencio Summerville in midfield and added pace and great tackling to help West Ham see the game through.
Nuno is builiding confidence in his choices and his side’s ability to see games out, even though Areola’s calamitous dropped-catch enabled former Hammer Josh Cullen to grab Burnley’s second with the last kick of the game.
Six points in six days – as many as Graham Potter had amassed in two months and Hammers fans are starting to believe again: A great way to head off on the international break. Hopefully Freddie Potts’ hamstring injury won’t prove too serious and the international break will allow the medics to get him ready for the Bournemouth game on the 22nd.
Nice, gritty performance against a team that wasn’t here to roll over – unlike a poor Newcastle last week. Great to go into the break on a high – BIG game against Bournemouth after that. Need a result there before Liverpool.
Sound selection and subs from Nuno which I was expecting when he first arrived. I was shocked by the Brentford and Leeds managerial choices was that an aberration ?
A gritty performance in which we were outplayed for long periods, we made harder work of it than I was expecting.
Soucek is an effective substitute forward, long may it continue. Coming on for Wilson has yielded benefits so it works for me.
2nd time we have won back to games this year .. last time was in February when we beat Arsenal 1-0 .. I can’t remember who the other win was against though. Massive result today though !