West Ham overturned their recent poor fortunes to inflict a heavy 4-0 defeat on strugglers AFC Bournemouth in David Moyes’ first game back in charge of the London side.
The result lifts the Hammers up the table two points from the drop, as their New Year’s Day opponents slid into the bottom three. One man who made the difference in what was a vital six-point affair was Mark Noble, and the experienced West Ham midfielder embodied his team’s newfound fighting spirit.
Only partner Declan Rice made more tackles in the middle of the park than Noble’s two, while the West Ham captain also masterminded two interceptions when his side needed him to aid defensively. Furthermore, Noble made go back amongst the defence to rid the ball from danger with a clearance when it was required of him.
Where Noble impressed more though was in possession of the ball, only Rice had a higher pass accuracy than Noble’s 87.3 per cent, of the West Ham players who started the match. Rice also bettered his captain with regards to the number of passes he played, 61 to Noble’s 55. Still, the pair made the same amount of long balls and accurate long balls, six and four respectively, in what was an immaculate display in possession.
When he found himself in advanced areas, the West Ham captain was ruthlessly efficient. The 32-year-old played a single key pass, though his teammates were unable to convert the chance he created. Meanwhile, Noble took a chance of his own, as well as converting a penalty to bag himself a Premier League brace and ensure his side got back to winning ways. The converted penalty means Noble moves to joint fourth on the list for Premier League penalties scored, level with Sergio Aguero.
Bournemouth could not touch Noble on New Year’s Day; despite his lack of mobility, the Englishman managed to round an opposition player and was even fouled by a Cherries defender. Overall his performance embodied what West Ham’s attempts to distance themselves from the drop as Noble proved he still has the quality to keep the Hammers afloat.
