Zabaleta hails 'incredible' Claret and Blue Army

Pablo Zabaleta

 

Pablo Zabaleta paid tribute to the ‘incredible’ Claret and Blue Army following Friday’s 1-1 Premier League draw with Leicester City at London Stadium.

The West Ham United fans created the best atmosphere of the season in David Moyes’ first home game in charge and the team responded with arguably their best performance of the campaign on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

In the second half, especially, the supporters raised the roof and urged their team forward, but ultimately the Hammers could not fashion the winner their overall performance arguably deserved.

“We must say ‘Thank you’ to the fans because they were incredible and brilliant during the whole game,” said the right-back. “We know that they probably want to see the team in a better place in the table, I know that, but at least we tried to win the game.

“They saw the team with a different attitude tonight and, as I said, they were incredible, so thank you for the great support.”

We must say ‘Thank you’ to the fans because they were incredible and brilliant during the whole game

Pablo Zabaleta

The vociferous backing undoubtedly spurred West Ham on as they dominated for long periods and forced Leicester onto the back foot, but Zabaleta knows the team will have to produce greater quality in the attacking third if they are to turn draws into wins going forward.

“A point is a point but for me it’s not enough. We were looking for the three points and that’s what we needed, but apart from that the attitude was a lot better than the last game and the team looks a lot more organised.

“We pressed a lot better and in the second half we were the team looking to win the game. We pressed forward and had a few chances but we couldn’t win the game.

“It’s a shame when you try everything and you cannot get the three points. In the situation we’re in at the moment, a point is not enough.”

West Ham’s fitness levels have clearly risen since Moyes’ arrival and the post-match statistics confirmed they both outran and outsprinted the Foxes.

That, said the Argentinian, will be a prerequisite at Everton on Wednesday evening, at Manchester City next weekend and in every Premier League fixture going forward.

“The intensity was a lot better. We were more organised and we played as a team. The team spirit was completely different from the last game and we did everything to try to score the second goal.

“They were defending so deep and well and we couldn’t find the second goal.

“Of course, a clean sheet is important for us. We conceded another early goal but our reaction was much better and we need to keep improving on that.

“The Everton game is going to be another huge game. We’ve got three massive games against three big teams and that’s why we need to get the result on Wednesday.”