Like you, I was a very proud West Ham United fan at the Riverside Stadium.
Not only did the team win for the fifth time in seven Premier League matches, continuing our fantastic recent form, but they did so as a team.
The whole team played well, both defensively and in attack, and we could have scored more than the three goals we did against one of the Premier League’s best defences.
We are now in the top half and just a few points behind Everton in seventh. Our recent run means we are looking up rather than down and I hope we can ensure that is the case for the rest of the season.
The supporters were absolutely magnificent, as ever, and I want to thank every single one of you for travelling such a long way to cheer the team on.
Slaven has really got the team playing for one another and I am pleased for him, for the players and most of all for the fans.
It was brilliant to see Andy Carroll score two more goals – the first one was an unstoppable header and the second one was a real striker’s goal, with him anticipating the shot being spilled and finishing clinically.
Michail Antonio got another assist, while Manuel Lanzini got two from his role in the hole behind the striker. Manu has got real ability and he can show everything in that No10 position.
Defensively, Winston Reid and Angelo Ogbonna were solid again, and we of course wish Angelo all the best with his knee surgery and for a successful rehabilitation. Angelo has showed his commitment to the Club by playing with the injury for a while now, and we thank him for that.
We have signed Jose Fonte and he is a top-class defender who will add strength, depth and leadership to our squad.
When we knew Jose was available, we made him a top target and were delighted to beat off some big clubs for his signature. It is a big statement of intent.
Talking of defenders, it was great to see Sam Byram back in the team at Middlesbrough and playing so well. He is still young and I am sure, if he is fit and has a run of games, he can be a real asset for us because he has great ability.
The team now have a short break between matches and that will give the players a chance to recharge their batteries after a busy period.
We have Manchester City next on a Wednesday night at London Stadium and I am sure the atmosphere is going to be brilliant, as it was against Crystal Palace last weekend.
We will all go in to that match buoyed by our last two performances and, I hope, with further new signings, which we hope to make between now and the end of the transfer window.
The market is challenging, but we are positive and will work around the clock to secure the right players to take us forward.
Come on you Irons!
David Sullivan
Joint-Chairman