West Ham secured a hard-fought victory over Chelsea on Saturday as they beat Frank Lampard’s side 1-0, the Hammer’s first win at Stamford Bridge in 17 years.
There were many stand out performances from the West Ham players and the team performed admirably to hold on to a slim victory, their first since September 22.
Pellegrini made several personnel changes to the side which lost 3-2 to Spurs last weekend with Pablo Fornals starting in left midfield in place of Andriy Yarmolenko, Felipe Anderson occupying the attacking midfielder role and Fabián Balbuena replacing Issa Diop at centre back.
The changes worked for the Hammers and Pellegrini, but Michail Antonio’s first start since returning from injury excited West Ham fans as he replaced the disappointing Sebastian Haller.
https://twitter.com/49whufc_smh/status/1201204659370762243
Has made such a difference ⚒
— Danny Kenny (@Dannykaikenny) December 1, 2019
So important for us, wrap him in bubble wrap when he isn’t playing!!
— Rigger (@LiamHammer7) December 1, 2019
Antonio against Chelsea yet again showed how and why we miss him so much when he is unavailable for selection. He is one of our most important players and one of the few attacking players we have who are willing to drive the game to the opposition. Huge physical presence.
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) December 1, 2019
Antonio’s return was important for West Ham and many took the chance to voice their concern about the form of the dropped Sebastian Haller.
Haller cost 44 million and looks lazy to be honest. I’m surprised fans haven’t noticed how lazy and average he looks.
— glenn wilsher (@Glennwilsher1) December 1, 2019
Several fans sugar coat Haller’s laziness as frustration at being up top on his own – however, Antonio plays up top for us on his own and his work rate and commitment is unquestionable. Other than the Norwich game, Haller has done nothing whatsoever to justify the huge price tag.
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) December 1, 2019
Haller scored twice in the best performance of the team prior to the Chelsea game, and, also scored against the worst team in the division. This is a farcry from a return of what £45m should get you out of your centre forward. Fornals will come good next season once adapated.
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) December 1, 2019
Antonio’s return has excited West Ham fans and his hard-working, passionate approach is always welcomed by the fans. If Antonio remains fit he will surely keep Haller out of the team as his physical, direct display against Chelsea proved he is a force to be reckoned with up front.