Pablo Zabaleta could hardly keep the smile off his face after collecting West Ham United’s Team Performance of the Season award for the 3-1 Premier League victory over Manchester United.
The former Manchester City star was part of the team which scored a deserved success against Jose Mourinho’s Red Devils, with Felipe Anderson, Marko Arnautovic and a Victor Lindelof own-goal doing the damage at London Stadium in September.
However, the popular full-back believes the Claret and Blue Army voted for the wrong game, saying the winner should have ‘100 per cent’ been the recent 1-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur - even though he did not play in it!
Definitely, 100 per cent, that win away from home against Spurs, was the biggest win of the season
Pablo Zabaleta
“Definitely, 100 per cent, that win away from home against Spurs, was the biggest win of the season we could have for the fans and for everybody at the Club,” he said.
“That home win over Manchester United was also fantastic. We were the best team that afternoon and it was a great performance from the whole team.”
Zabaleta was informed that the historic victory in north London had occurred halfway through the voting period, with many supports having already cast their ballot before Michail Antonio’s unforgettable match-winner.
“You can see the reaction of everybody here when they saw the win on the video screen!” he smiled, speaking at the 2019 Player Awards, brought to you by Betway in aid of the Academy.
“We had a few great performances during the season, but I think we should put those wins over Manchester United and Spurs right up there.”
West Ham collected 31 points from their 19 home games this season – their largest haul since moving to London Stadium three years ago – and the Argentinian feels the team’s London Stadium performances provided the foundation for a solid first campaign under Manuel Pellegrini.
“We’ve been really good at home, especially against some of the top teams,” he confirmed. “We won against Arsenal, put in a good performance against Chelsea, and that is what you need.
“We need to make London Stadium a proper home for the West Ham fans and for everybody and make it hard for teams to come and get a result.
“Obviously, you need to try and find that consistency, week-in and week-out, to keep winning games during the season, but you always want that great performance you never forget.
“I’m pleased to be here another year. I’m really enjoying my time at West Ham, to be honest, and I hope to enjoy more performances like Spurs away and Manchester United at home.”