Super sub Benrahma & Bowen magic – Three things learned about West Ham in win v Aston Villa
West Ham United continued their Premier League winning streak on Monday, sweeping aside Aston Villa 2-1.
Angelo Ogbonna opened the scoring at the London Stadium almost instantly with a thumping header past Emi Martinez.
After Jack Grealish equalised, Jarrod Bowen restored the lead almost identically in the first few minutes of the second half.
We have VAR and Ollie Watkins to thank though, after a missed penalty and another dubious “sleeve-line” offside call – not so bad when in your favour.
These three points catapulted the Hammers into fifth place in the Premier League, who would have imagined that after our tough start?
West Ham Zone have picked out three things learned about the Irons after this win, and it starts with a shoutout for one of Moyes’ best signings yet.
1. Bowen magic continues
Not many have performed better than Bowen since he arrived from Hull City in January. In fact, only Michail Antonio has managed more goal involvements than the wingers’ 10. He has delivered five assists and five goals, and managed one of both against the Villans. Should he continue in that form, his transfer from the Championship will prove to be one of the best in our history.
2. Super sub Benrahma
The Algerian keeps on proving his worth off the bench this season, once again claiming an assist for the second goal. Benrahma did exactly the same for the winner against Fulham a couple of weeks back. The calls for him to start are getting bigger, but with Fornals and Bowen continuing to shine, he is going to have to wait even longer. That isn’t a bad thing though, with Moyes appearing to be getting the best out of him coming off the bench at this moment in time.
3. Fornals prediction coming true?
Pablo Fornals claimed only a matter of weeks ago that he is confident that the Hammers could compete for European football next season. At the time he mentioned that, there were some eyebrows raised, but they aren’t as surprising now. West Ham are starting to win those tough battles that they may not have won last season, and it is becoming more realistic every single week.
In other West Ham United news, Irons to snub January move for James Tarkowski