Newcastle clearly weren’t expecting that. Neither were we. High energy, running, closing down. West Ham United’s 2-0 victory away on Monday night at St James’ Park may well have been as a result of a midfield tactical and personnel switch, but the roots of the team’s transformation were more simply traced back to the team working their socks off for the shirt. Or the coach. Or their own pride. Or the fans. Take your pick!
Ironically the words of West Ham United’s former Manager never seemed more apt than in the metamorphosis that overtook the team last night: David Moyes was the one attributed to saying to his squad “If you don’t run, you won’t play.”
The statistics speak for themselves: Second highest-ever total of running by a Premier League team, over 119 kms run – just 700 meters less than the all-time record.
None worked harder than the Hammers two wingers Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville who popped up again and again to support their respective defenders: Bowen and Wan Bissaka often doubling up on Harvey Barnes when he came on, Summerville appearing as an extra left back frequently doing the same to break down attacks on the Hammers’ left side, especially in the latter stages when Coufal was on for Emerson.
Great game management at the end with the Olé’s ringing out. But I couldn’t help wondering where this energy had come from.
Every club has just had a two -week break, but for West Ham it looks as if the whole squad had an engine oil change & service and then came out especially topped-up with the new club sponsor’s Red Bull ultra.
Whatever it was, let’s hope it is repeated come Saturday for Arsenal’s visit.
