TThe Hammers fans created one of the best atmosphere’s in London Stadium’s brief history in the last home match, roaring their team on to come from behind to draw with Leicester City a fortnight ago.
And the defender has urged the 50,000-plus home supporters inside the ground this weekend to replicate their performance, while he and his teammates give 100 per cent and try to replicate theirs.
“At this moment, it is a hard one for us, but the fans know that the way they can help us change things is with the atmosphere they create,” he told Saturday's Official Programme.
“Against Leicester, it was the best atmosphere I have heard in London Stadium and it has to be like this every time.”
The fans know that the way they can help us change things is with the atmosphere they create
Angelo Ogbonna
Ogbonna, of course, nearly lifted the roof off the Boleyn Ground when he netted an unforgettable last-minute goal in an FA Cup fourth-round replay victory over Liverpool in February 2016.
And, after sending the travelling fans into a state of delirium when he opened the scoring in last Sunday’s 2-1 Premier League defeat at Manchester City, the 29-year-old wants to be part of another special atmosphere on Saturday.
“We can change things together and it has to be really similar to that night at the Boleyn Ground!”
As well as his many friends in the stands, Ogbonna will also have the support of his family in the stands this afternoon, with a large number of the player’s relations having flown in from Italy this week to commence their Christmas celebrations.
“The best way for me to have a good Christmas is to spend it with my family and they are coming to the game today!”
“My family are all coming, my Mum, my sister, my wife, my son, everybody is coming! Hopefully we will be able to celebrate an early Christmas by beating Chelsea.
“I wish the best of luck for us and if they can give us a bit of luck, that’s important.”
Standard Tickets for Saturday’s London derby with Antonio Conte’s Blues are available to supporters on the Season Ticket Waiting List, Claret Members and fans with a previous booking history now via the Ticket Exchange.