FIVE Things We Learnt About West Ham Against Reading

West Ham’s top half finish was confirmed versus Reading FC on Sunday. Below are 5 things that we learnt during this particular performance.

1. First up is the general impressive performance. I appreciate that we were playing one of two sides who are miles away from the rest of us (the other being QPR). I’ll be the first to admit that when Reading pulled it back to 2-2 I immediately remembered last season’s 2-4 at Upton Park. I was somewhat surprised that we managed to turn it back around and gave them the 4-2 defeat!

2. Modibo Maiga gets a little go on the field and comes out with an assist. A good one at that! I don’t think he has a chance of earning a new contract but I would quite like him to have a chance as he has been quite impressive. I guess our sights are set higher than him now, but until we get more strikers in I’d like to keep things as they are.

3. We also were reminded, as if we needed it, just how good Andy Carroll is. He was really a handful for the weak Reading defence. Two assists, including one that was quite ridiculous, but his touch before Ricardo Vaz Te’s goal was sublime for a “big man”. Everyone would love him to stay, I’m sure.

4. The ‘chicken’ is back; a perfect hat-trick for captain Kevin Nolan; left foot, right foot, and a header. The man is back and he also got us a player with double figures in the league, great stuff. All three goals showed great composure and excellent finishing with both feet and his head.

5. Finally we learnt that Big Sam is taking us in the best direction we’ve been heading in a long time. I personally would love to replicate this season next year. Finish 10th or close, a little cup run too would be excellent. But I mainly want stability for another year at least. It may be boring, but boring is brilliant to me in the Premier League!

(@TheTobyFry)