1. A Fab day out!
Łukasz Fabiański was disappointed with his showing against Newcastle United and knew the importance of bouncing back against Fulham.
And the former Poland stopper’s quality showed as he did just that, producing a masterclass between the sticks to get the Irons over the line at Craven Cottage.
There, the 37-year-old impressed as the Hammers recorded a 2022/23 league double over Fulham, making three saves and one claim in the west London sun.
In particular, West Ham’s slender advantage was tested when Fulham attacker Andreas Pereira was running towards the goal with less than ten minutes to play.
But Fabiański was quick off his line to keep his second clean sheet of the week, scooping the ball away from the Brazilian midfielder to ensure the Irons headed back to east London with all three points.
He reflected: “I must admit it was very challenging for me personally because obviously, I did not have a good game against Newcastle. It was challenging but at the same time, I believe it was good that this game came so quickly in the space of three days.
“We’re very happy with the result. It was only about responding to what happened on Wednesday evening against Newcastle.”
2. Defence stands tall!
Resolute. Dogged. Tenacious. However, you choose to describe it, the back four were immense.
After a disappointing showing against Newcastle midweek, the Hammers’ defence was stunning at Craven Cottage as the second clean sheet of the week moved the Irons clear of the bottom three.
It was a real back to the walls showing in west London; one that epitomised the efforts and character West Ham has shown over the past seasons under David Moyes.
Kurt Zouma won five aerial duels, although across the defence it was as impressive. With Vladimír Coufal, Aaron Cresswell and Angelo Ogbonna recalled to the starting XI, Moyes’ men made over 60 clearances and blocked eleven shots. Not pretty but totally solid. The back four was well worthy of the Irons’ second away league win of the season.
3. Battling Bowen
Jarrod Bowen’s work rate over the past few games has been top-tier.
Once again, the No20 worked his proverbial socks off up and down the right-hand side, whether tracking back to help his teammates or attacking the opposition.
In particular, Bowen showed his class to nip past Fulham defender Tim Ream, before his cross forced Harrison Reed to find his own net on 23 minutes.
Bowen also led the charge for a second goal the Hammers ultimately did not need. He found Danny Ings with a well weighted through ball, but the 30-year-old saw Bernd Leno deny his dinked finish from close range.
What is clear though is that the England forward provided the moment of quality to separate the two sides. He now has four assists and four goals in the 2022/23 Premier League campaign.
4. Claret and Blue Army in full voice – again!
The away end was in full voice from kick-off through to the final whistle, as the Irons’ second league away win of the season came through a dogged showing against Fulham.
Packed into the Hammersmith End, the travelling Irons roared their side on to a crucial win that sent West Ham into 13th, now 14th following Sunday’s results, in the Premier League table.
After leading the celebrations at full-time, which began with a huge roar at the sound of referee Jarred Gullett’s whistle, captain Declan Rice praised the supporters.
“The fans deserve that 100 per cent,” the skipper stated. “They’re the best, I’ve always said it.
“Obviously, when things get tough, they voice their opinions and you’ve got to take it on the chin, but on the other hand for me, when they’re at it they’re the best in the world.
“I love playing in front of them, they cheer your name, they cheer the team, special nights like we had last year, special away days like we had today. It’s a Saturday afternoon, three points, and you don’t get much better than that!”
For the Claret and Blue Army, it is onto Gent!
