Chaos & Joy

Over 580 days in the waiting and a whole world of events had been and gone ahead of last night's game against Leicester City, while fans had been absent David Moyes and his staff oversaw the metamorphosis of a team of relegation battlers into a slick top six of the table club.

Much had been made in the media relating to the fact that West Ham had done well last season, because there were NO home fans in attendance, citing the toxic atmosphere that precluded the Covid Pandemic. Ironically from the moment of project restart Hammers were on fire and with the exception of the 'blip' in form that coincided with Declan Rice's injury sustained during a pointless friendly for England, could have made the Champions League only missing out by 2 points.

Fears that there would be a negative atmosphere on Monday night, particularly in light of the ill thought out and ill timed aggressive take over bid by PAI(n), were quickly dispelled as the inside of the Stadium was absolutely buzzing, IF you had managed to get in on time!

As expected there was chaos at the entry points, so many people were having download issues or were in possession of poorly printed out tickets that the queues were massive, despite the best efforts of the stewards on hand. Footnote from editorial team...'SOMEONE' was in such a hurry to print out tickets having installed fresh ink in order to print out 'perfect' tickets that HE didn't bother to actually check what had been printed, so bright and clear were the tickets! On presenting the tickets it transpired HE had made duplicate copies of the same ticket! All this necessitated having to sprint for entrance J to the ticket office, the attendee promptly checked the system and printed out the new tickets, just like that!

There were many others who had difficulties getting into the packed to the rafters stadium, but they were rewarded by what they saw as a dominant Hammers team 'out Leicestered' Leicester! Of course the visitors had their moments, as was to be expected from a quality team with a quality manager AND quality travelling fans supporting them.

The first half sending off, which looked harsh initially was the turning point in the game, but it should be remembered that West Ham were already a goal ahead from a superb Benrahma and Formals constructed goal, finished with aplomb by the latter. A goal then followed for Said Benrahma as Hammers took advantage of Leicester being down to ten men.

The visitors did pull one back to set up a 'nervy' period, before the Michail Antonio show stepped up a gear! Covered from pillar to post by a slightly 'umble pie media that were anticipating an entirely different outcome, particularly as the vistors had humbled Man City in the Charity Shield.

Michail Antonio will get all the attention as a result of his brace scored late in the 2nd half, but Benrahma and especially Fornals did so much, as did the rest of the team, to ensure the Foxes left London with their tails between their legs.

Both players just keep getting better and better, FORNALS is emerging as a crucial player for Moyes, his ability to outrun a duracell bunny is both useful and inspirational for his team mates who hold him in high esteem. During his time with the club he has developed into a really, really good player.

Everyone knows the club's current home is a stadium not built for football, it has many deficiencies, but under the lights with a full house roaring? Come on the old 'Boleyn Roar' was there in spirit as fans tentatively begin to embrace their not fit for purpose home,
IF the team keep performing in a similar fashion then the ground's 'issues' will start to be on a par with trying to get a tube train from UptonPark back in the day, a real pain but a necessary evil! - Ed