NIGEL Reo-Coker was back skippering the Hammers for the 2-1 win
over Fulham and delivered the perfect captain's performance,
leading by example in the centre of midfield.
The 21-year-old has taken his performances to his new level this
season, impressing as one of West Ham United's brightest stars
during what has been an eye-catching start to the season.
"It was another fantastic team performance," said Nigel
after the Fulham game.
"Everyone played their part again and we had the boys like
Bobby who had not yet been in the starting line-up in the
Premiership, come in and do their jobs well.
"For this game, it was so important for us not to let the
levels of performance and effort that we had in the win over Villa
slip.
"We've already set our standards high in the Premiership,
which you have to, because if you are anywhere below your best then
you are going to struggle against the quality in this division.
"So we applied ourselves again to go out there and play to our
maximum. We worked hard and got the win and now we're preparing
for another tough trip to Sheffield Wednesday in the Carling Cup,
followed by Arsenal on Saturday."
Nigel reserved special praise for goalscoring hero Marlon Harewood,
who scored one and had a big hand in forcing Tony Warner's own
goal, which clinched all three points.
Nigel added: "Marlon's got his scoring boots on and long
may it continue! He can score goals in this League, we all know
that. He's shown that by getting four goals in two games. He
was unlucky that the second goal was not credited to him.
"Marlon has got broad shoulders, he doesn't let criticism
get to him. He just goes out there, works hard and keeps believing
in himself.
"We all come under a bit more pressure in the Premiership to
do well all the time, but Marlon has proved that if you keep
working hard, it pays off for you."