West Ham’s stunning 2-0 victory against Arsenal on December 28 left Jim White amazed as the team surged into the Premier League’s top six.
Tomas Soucek initiated the scoring by converting Jarrod Bowen’s cross, a goal awarded following a contentious VAR review to verify if the ball had crossed the line. Konstantinos Mavropanos then doubled the lead with a magnificent header in the 55th minute.
This triumph propelled the Hammers above both Manchester United and Brighton & Hove Albion, securing a significant sixth-place position in the Premier League. Jim White took to Twitter to commend David Moyes for the transformative impact he has had on the club, celebrating the team’s impressive 2-0 victory.
In a post-match assessment, White highlighted the decisive nature of the scoreline, emphasizing how despite Arsenal’s 74% possession and a high number of shots, the only statistic that mattered was West Ham’s 2-0 lead.
The victory mirrored a recurring pattern in Moyes’ tactical approach, characterized by absorbing pressure before capitalizing on counterattacks. This strategy was previously demonstrated in the team’s August match against Brighton & Hove Albion, showcasing the Hammers’ ability to tactically exploit opponents even when faced with overwhelming possession and shots.
Reflecting on the team’s style of play, which may not always be aesthetically pleasing but certainly effective, it’s evident that West Ham’s sixth-place position, coupled with notable victories over the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, suggests a potentially noteworthy season ahead.
The article further noted the team’s aspiration for a strong season, hinting at their positioning just nine points off the top of the Premier League table and their eagerness to pursue success in European competitions, with the Europa League trophy being highlighted as an important target. This ambition signifies a broader scope for West Ham’s season, suggesting that Moyes and his team are aiming for both domestic and European achievements in the coming campaign.
