Predominantly it has been a dreadful season for fans of West Ham United. Despite summer investment that saw them break their transfer record for the second term in succession they have failed to pick up the results required to distance themselves from the drop and they are currently above the bottom three on goal difference alone. Regardless of the team’s performances fan loyalty remains incredibly strong towards Mark Noble, and the English central midfielder is on the cusp of eclipsing another West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio’s record.
Currently, no Hammers player has found the back of the net in the Premier League with a higher frequency than the Italian, who scored 47 during his time in east London. Having slotted home on four occasions this term, Noble has put himself just one behind the Upton Park icon, and given that he is a penalty taker extraordinaire, it seems only a matter of time before he goes one better than Di Canio.
This season alone the 32-year-old has converted three spot-kicks, only Jamie Vardy, four, and Marcus Rashford, five, have found the back of the net more often from 12 yards out. His calm and collected nature has seen Noble miss the target with just one of his 30 attempts from the spot, with a further two saved to score 27. In the Premier League era only Steven Gerrard, 29, and Frank Lampard, 32, have converted more spot-kicks. Noble’s penalty prowess has been an incredibly valuable asset to the Hammers over the years, and it is a large part of the reason the 32-year-old finds himself within touching distance of Di Canio.
Should he eclipse the Italian magician, Noble will write himself further into West Ham United folklore given he has already made by far in a way the most Premier League appearances for the club, 375. Carlton Cole is second on that list, but the retired striker still finds himself 159 games short of the 32-year-old on 216 appearances. Additionally, no player has been involved in more top-flight wins for the Hammers that Noble’s 128, fast approaching double the number Steve Potts registered for the east London outfit, with 73.
Noble may not have had incredible success with the Hammers, however, by sticking with the club which he was an academy graduate from throughout his career, the captain has become a fan favourite and due to his records will not be forgotten.
