Comfortable win over the Hammers...

Now sit back and watch the rest!

The people got what they wanted with the team selection. Both Odegaard and Eze started centrally, with Rice sitting behind. The excitement over this selection was short-lived though, the captain going off injured in the first half for the 3rd time in 4 PL starts. This time it was a knee injury rather than the shoulder issue that has plagued him.

The injury did allow Zubimendi to enter the pitch and he proved very effective. Soon after his introduction he played a ball through to Eze, allowing Eze to take the shot. A decent save by Areola, but Rice completed the task against his old side.
Zubi was heavily involved in the second too. A lofted pass found a charging Timber. The Dutchmans progress was halted by an over eager Diouf. Despite initial contact being outside the box, the final decisive action was inside. Bukayo Saka celebrated his 200th appearance by slotting the resulting penalty into the back of the net.

All in all it was a pretty straightforward game. West Ham were very poor, and didn't look like repeating the previous 2 seasons wins.

Decent performances from all - except maybe Gyokeres who was a little disappointing in a game we hoped he could add to his 3 goals.

Hard to call a man of the match, Rice was very good before a back injury saw him withdrawn. Timber was his usual class self. I will go with Zubimendi. Pure style and effictiveness.


On to an international break, where hopefully those who picked up knocks can sit it out and recover. We are temporarily top, with Liverpool now to face Chelsea. Would be nice to spend the 2 weeks break still there, COYB!