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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
GIUSEPPE MURO

West Ham analysis: Hammers have made one Haller a signing as captain Noble marks anniversary with key display

West Ham recorded their first win of the season as Manuel Pellegrini’s side picked up all three points away at Watford.

Giuseppe Muro was in attendance at Vicarage Road, and here is his analysis of the match…

One Haller signing

West Ham have high hopes for Sebastien Haller and the £45million club-record signing is already looking like money well spent. He scored his first two goals since his summer switch from Eintracht Frankfurt and he looks like he could be a real hit in the Premier League.

Physically he looks ready for English football, his hold-up play was good and his goals will do his confidence the world of good. Letting Marko Arnautovic and bringing in Haller is already looking like really good business.

Photo: West Ham United FC via Getty Images

Noble marks his return

It is 15 years to the day since Mark Noble made his West Ham debut and when he is fit he is still one of the first names on the teamsheet. West Ham missed the midfielder in their first two games of the season but his return from injury was a real boost for the Hammers.

Noble marked his anniversary with a goal from the penalty spot early on and the steel and balance he brings to the team is so important for Manuel Pellegrini. Noble has now scored 22 of his last 24 penalties.

Easy on the eye

West Ham have one of the most exciting frontlines in the Premier League and they are certainly going to be entertaining to watch this season.

Photo: REUTERS

The quality they have in the likes of Felipe Anderson and Manuel Lanzini means they are going to cause problems for every defence in the Premier League. They look vulnerable at the back but Manuel Pellegrini has made it clear they are not going to change the way they play and it looks like they are going to have to try and out-score teams this season.


Antonio makes an impact

Haller will get the headlines but Michail Antonio deserves a mention for his impact after he was brought on as a substitute in the 55th minute. Antonio’s name was the name being sung by the West Ham fans after the final whistle.

Photo: REUTERS

Manuel Pellegrini has some real good options to play behind Haller, with Antonio competing with new boy Pablo Fornals and Andriy Yarmolenko back from injury. Antonio is going to have to fight for his place in the team but he gave Manuel Pellegrini a reminder of what he can bring here

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