Snodgrass: I enjoyed being part of Aston Villa victory

 

Robert Snodgrass says West Ham United’s intensive pre-season work shone through in Wednesday’s 3-1 win at Aston Villa.

The Scotland international capped an impressive Hammers display with his first goal for the club late on, adding to outstanding first-half goals from Michail Antonio and Marko Arnautovic.

And Snodgrass, who has worked hard to impress new manager Manuel Pellegrini, both physically and technically, says the performance was the result of the effort he and his teammates have put in over the past four weeks.

We’re working day and night and doing a lot of things to start the season well and get a good start

Robert Snodgrass

“I’m really enjoying it. If you see the likes of the forward-thinking players we’ve got with Arnautovic, Antonio, Anderson and Yarmolenko, you’ve got loads of options and people moving off the ball, so when you get that chance, why not try and take it?

“One thing you’ve seen is the fitness level tonight. The lads were great and Aston Villa started a week before us as well, so we’re in good shape and we’re ticking along nicely.

“Anybody watching that first half, and the second half in spells, would see us coming in off the line and the full-backs getting around. That’s exactly what the boss has brought to the table.

“It’s good as the boss has come in and his record speaks for itself. He’s phenomenal. The lads have taken to him and his staff straight away and there’s a good feel about the place. We’re working day and night and doing a lot of things to start the season well and get a good start.”

 

Robert Snodgrass was on target against his old club Aston Villa on Wednesday

 

Snodgrass got a deserved cheer from the 1,500-strong Claret and Blue Army when he rounded Jed Steer to convert Arnautovic’s through ball and score, having earlier received an ovation from the Aston Villa faithful.

The 30-year-old spent last season on loan with the Championship promotion-chasers, where his displays earned him hero status on the Holte End.

But while he was happy to applaud the Villa fans at the final whistle, Snodgrass sees his future in a different shade of Claret and Blue.

“Listen, it’s great first and foremost to come back and see them, but I’m a West Ham player. I’ve loved my time here when I’ve been involved and playing, but obviously last year I went out and played games and bonded with the Aston Villa fans, staff and players and everyone around the city, so I appreciate them for that.

“But for me, I want to try and get minutes and play in my position. I played tonight and got a chance and it’s great to get a goal, but the performance in the first half was pleasing.

“In my first season and against Wycombe, I was having shots cleared off the line and things, but I took my chance when it came and hopefully it’s the first of many.”