West Ham made a statement to the rest of the Premier League’s struggling sides with the convincing 4-0 victory over Norwich City. In-form striker Michail Antonio made a slice of history by becoming the first Hammer to fire four Premier League goals in a single game, making it one of the few occasions to remember for the Hammers’ squad this season.
David Moyes’ side also kept a clean sheet for the first time since the Premier League restarted against the Canaries. The all-round display was incredibly impressive as it was the first time the Hammers shut the opposition out rather than outscoring them, as was the case in the 3-2 victory over Chelsea.
After the match, Angelo Ogbonna was delighted for the striker and rightly praised his teammate but reminded his counterparts to remain focused on the task at hand.
What did he say?
Speaking to West Ham TV, Ogbonna said: “It was really important to win today. We did a great job, but it’s not finished yet. We need to win the next game; this is important for me.”
The Italian added that against Norwich: “We worked hard for the clean sheet.”
In reference to the man of the moment Antonio, Ogbonna said: “What a day, four goals! I’m really happy for him because he’s doing a great job.”
Focusing on Friday
The ramifications of Friday’s encounter against Watford could be enormous. The Hornets are level on points, 34, with this Hammers side in the Premier League table, but below on goal difference. Reaching 37 points with two games remaining of the season would almost certainly secure safety, and if either side loses, they will have Bournemouth breathing down their necks for the final fixtures.
Furthermore, Aston Villa will line up against Moyes’ side on the last day of the season, which could be an incredibly nervy encounter if Premier League survival is on the line.
Ogbonna’s comments suggest he did not get caught up in celebrating the Irons’ fantastic result, after equalling their biggest win of the season against the Cherries. Instead, he diligently praised the work put in by this squad to keep their first clean sheet in 15, last shutting the opposition out when West Ham convincingly beat Eddie Howe’s side, Moyes’ first match in charge.
The Scot has consistently struggled with leaking goals during his tenure, and this could not have come at a better time ahead of the Watford encounter. On Friday, West Ham have the opportunity to keep consecutive clean sheets for the first time since September and take a giant leap towards Premier League survival.
