What a match! I think I can speak for all West Ham fans when I say that. Yesterday’s game was amazing to watch for us, as the team were fully deserving of the win. So, with an unexpected three points in the bag right from the get go, what have we learnt about the side following this game?
1. We can defend!
I think we all lost count of the amount of times we gave up late goals last season. It was bordering on ridiculous at times and is the most infuriating way of dropping points. Yesterday there was no such thing. Right to the very end the team fought to maintain that clean sheet, something that we could never seem to do in the last campaign. Of all our summer signings, the one that arguably excited me most was Ogbonna.
We needed extra steel and legs in the defence and you don’t get to play for Juventus if there isn’t something about you. He’s good on the ball and, on the basis of yesterday; he seems to have already formed a good understanding with Winston Reid. Worthy mentions go to Tomkins, who did well at right back, reigning Hammer of the year, Aaron Cresswell, and also the midfield three who scurried around all day to stop Arsenal’s attack.
2. Payet is the attacking key
Dimitri Payet has already shown that he is a class above every other attacker we have during preseason. Yesterday he showed it on the big stage. His control on the ball is tremendous and he provided a great outlet for the side when the defence needed a breather. It also took him just 43 minutes to notch his first premier league assist after the beautiful delivery that led to Kouyate’s opener.
Additionally he proved that he is robust enough to deal with the physicality of the division. Watching him have his own way with Laurent Koscielny in the latter stages was particularly great to see. Much of our season’s success rests on his shoulders and keeping the Frenchman fit is key to our attack being successful.
3. Oxford can be a star
West Ham’s youngest player showed every doubter what he is made of. Questions were raised when it was revealed the 16-year-old would be starting the game in holding midfield, a key position considering the opposition, but he proved that he has the potential to be special.
Everyone stood up and took notice and Mesut Özil will have seen him in his sleep. In his post-match interview, he also showed himself to be extremely articulate for someone so young. His head seems to be screwed on right and it’s up to him now to develop into the player he has the capability to become.
4. Zárate is a different animal
I wrote an article for this website about whether Zárate had a future at West Ham after a very forgetful campaign for the Argentine last year. After being heavily involved in preseason, he started against Arsenal and scored the all-important second goal at the Emirates.
This came on the back of a very impressive goal against Astra in the first leg of the Europa League qualifier. If Valencia had been fit he probably wouldn’t have started but there is no doubt the number 10 has improved. The quality may not quite be there yet but his work rate has increased to a different level.
His goal against Arsenal was all about working to regain the ball from Chamberlain and if he can do this continuously he could prove to be a useful asset this season. Last year he was troubled by feuds with management and fitness issues. This year, so far, it seems like he has put this all behind him. He looks fitter than ever and appears ready to work.
5. We are versatile
I wasn’t the only one who predicted that, upon Bilic’s arrival, we would mainly be playing a 4-2-3-1 similar to what he had implemented at Beşiktaş. Yesterday we played with a diamond and it worked splendidly against an Arsenal team determined to play through the middle. This all bodes well for the future and Bilic has passed his first big tactical test with flying colours. In doing so, he’s proved that he’s not afraid to shake up the system. Versatility is a powerful weapon to have at your disposal.
So after that memorable opening day win for us we are all entitled to enjoy the moment. Now there is one big question that can only be answered in a few weeks time. One game does not make a season. The initial signs look promising but what remains to be seen is whether the players can perform like this on a consistent basis. Can they do it? We’ll soon find out.
