Zabaleta: The subs had a great impact

Pablo Zabaleta

Pablo Zabaleta hailed the depth of the West Ham United squad after all three substitutes combined to give them maximum points against Swansea City on Saturday.

Diafra Sakho applied the finishing touch to score the only goal of a game of few chances, after his fellow subs Manuel Lanzini and Arthur Masuaku linked up to lay on the opportunity.

Zabaleta admitted the Hammers were not at their best, but had praise for the trio of subs who came on and had a huge impact.

“When you score at the end to win the game and get three points, of course it’s a great feeling,” the No5 said.

“I’m so happy and pleased that we won the game, but it was not our best performance. We were sloppy, especially in the first half. It was different when Manu came on. He gave us more creativity, we kept possession better and that was good.

“Arthur is so fast, he has that pace going forward and he can cross. He did it against Spurs, he did it on Saturday and I’m pleased for him. Also for Sakho – it’s not been the best start of the season for him and it’s not easy for everyone if you’re not playing regularly, but’s it’s a long season and on Saturday saw how important the subs can be.

“That’s why everyone has to be ready. Even if you play ten minutes, you can have a huge role.

“That was the positive point for us – players came from the bench and had a great impact on the game.  We know we have a strong squad with big players and I’m very pleased for them.”