WHZ View: Three things we learned about West Ham in win v Sheffield United
West Ham thumped the Premier League’s bottom side 3-0 on Monday evening at the London Stadium.
Goals from Declan Rice, Issa Diop and Ryan Fredericks were enough to see off Sheffield United, and briefly move us into the top four.
The victory was our twelfth of the league campaign. It keeps us well in the hunt for a European finish come the end of the season.
With that in mind, West Ham Zone have highlighted three things we learned in the victory over the Blades.
The false nine can work
Jarrod Bowen played upfront last night in the absence of Antonio and Yarmolenko. It’s a role he fulfilled previously at Hull in the Championship but was yet to reprise in the top-flight.
He had an excellent game, completing 94% of his passes successfully and winning 50% of his ariel duels against a stern Sheffield United back three [WyScout].
Bowen led from the front as we registered 13 attempts on goals and nine on target. It was just the fifth time this season that the Englishman has played a full 90 minutes. He looks to be another striking option should Antonio’s injury woes persist.
Penalty plus
It appears that there is life after Mark Noble with regards to our spot-kicks. The club captain has scored 46 of his 49 penalties for West Ham, a conversion rate above 93%.
This season, Declan Rice has skippered the side in his absence. It appears he is now taking over penalty duties, too.
Prior to last night, we were the only team to not be rewarded a penalty in the Premier League. Rice converted expertly as Noble watched from the bench, despite Jesse Lingard briefly asking the question. What a captain he’s developing into this season.
Fab in form
Lukasz Fabianski had one of his best performances this season in the 3-0 last night. The Pole was fantastic against Manchester United last week and was unlucky to be on the losing side.
He kept a clean sheet on Monday for the 8th time in 2020/21, moving onto 71 overall in the Premier League since his debut for Arsenal. Our number one made five saves last night and completed 100% of his passing [WyScout].
We have every chance of a European finish if he keeps up this fantastic form.
In other West Ham news, David Moyes explains why he signed Jesse Lingard.