What a filip this result has given everyone. As David Moyes said in the post match press conference, it will be Marko Arnautovic who will garner all the headlines in the Sunday papers, but this was a real team performance. We took our chances and never looked back. That third goal was absolutely crucial. It meant we knew we shouldn’t lose. If it had remained 2-0, who know what could have happened.
The key seems to have been the return of Arhur Masuaku, who combined brilliantly with Joao Mario down the left. Masuaku’s cross for Arnautovic’s brilliant second goal was truly something to behold. I’d also pick our Declan Rice for a mention. He showed yet again why he should be one of the first names on the teamsheet every single week.
If Arnautovic gets man of the match then surely Cheikh Kouyate is the player who came second. He played a part in every goal and his driving runs were something to behold.
And Hart finally got a clean sheet. The only blot on the landscape was yet another injury for poor old Michail Antonio. Having rediscovered his scoring boots, it’s a bitter blow that he will no doubt face another few weeks on the sidelines. I was really hoping he could push for a World Cup place, but that looks highly unlikely now.
Given how we played, especially in the first half, it makes us all question why we can’t put on this kind of performance more often. And it puts us in very good heart for Stamford Bridge next Sunday. And let’s remember, this was very much a second string starting eleven.
So fill your boots and comment away. It’s a good evening to be a Hammer for once.