In the wake of an underwhelming defeat at Leeds some days back, one East London devotee suggested via an online post that Jarrod Bowen must feel like the sole human actor among puppet characters. Additionally, when the squad conceded first on Sunday, moments following their skipper hit a long-range effort against the woodwork, fans probably thought it was shaping up as another routine performance during which the attacker tried to emulate a Michael Caine persona in a bid to lend some much-needed authority to a characteristically ridiculous and chaotic showing. The impression must have been amplified as he earned a penalty just to witness it overturned by the officials. However defying predictions, The Hammers dug deep and were able to achieve an uncommon and thoroughly deserved victory.
A Woeful Showing by Eddie Howe's Men
Helped significantly by a truly subpar showings from the Newcastle team under Eddie Howe, the Hammers won their first game since Nuno's appointment on their fifth try. And, following his first four matches as manager appearing as the living representation of a dreary daily grind, it turned out to be Nuno and his assistants who ended the game jubilant on the sidelines by the pitch. “In my view simply the posture, the team unity during the game, numerous small factors that affect how we play, were missing,” stated the manager later, looking genuinely traumatised by the horror show he had seen unfold in the stadium. “The physicality, the vigor was missing. It turned out to be deeply disappointing for us, that represented a poor performance. We just weren’t ourselves.”
A Move towards Improvement for Nuno's Side
By securing a game and performing strongly notwithstanding initial obstacles, West Ham certainly weren’t their usual selves but only time will tell if the triumph indicates progress that a shift has been achieved. They welcome Burnley next in a critical six-pointer before an international break that leads into a hellish run of fixtures during which Bournemouth, Liverpool, Manchester United, Brighton, Aston Villa and the Citizens may deflate any aspirations they are forever blowing. “After events did not go our way the answer from the squad was good and I am happy with the way we achieved it because we were up against the ropes,” said Nuno. “It’s a little step towards progress yet it is crucial, too.”
Silver Linings in the Area
Although Sunday was a letdown for the Magpies who are still without a win on the road in five league attempts in the current term, followers heading home were at least able to find solace with the awareness that one English top division club from the area is doing the region proud by surprising everyone this season. During Monday’s David Moyes-Jordan Pickford derby, the Black Cats welcome a struggling Merseyside outfit and are aware a win would move them second – second! in the table. Apparently untroubled by the negative impact of the ‘red cartels’ and financial regulations whose whole raison d’etre is to ensure Newcastle United in their place, the recently promoted and smooth-running Wearside squad will be only five points trailing the front-runners established by the Gunners if they beat Everton. And with Mikel Arteta’s team of bottlers scheduled to face the fiery venue that is the Stadium of Light next weekend, Sunderland could go into the pause feeling very satisfied.
Quotes of the Day
“I have held one of the most incredible roles in the sport which also had a higher purpose because it was my country. That’s going to be extremely difficult to match. Having had 37 years in football I am appreciating finding other areas in which I believe I could potentially to have an impact” – it appears Sir Gareth Southgate isn’t in a rush to go back to club management for example Middlesbrough post his national team role. The 55-year-old is engaging in promotions ahead of Thursday’s launch of his publication, his leadership book, which probably omits a section about the coach setting up a defensive formation for 85 minutes facing Croatia and letting a in-form Modric dominate the match.
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