Declan Rice is out. Michail Antonio is out. Without his two best players, David Moyes’ West Ham bubble will surely burst.
That was the story heading into what would be a monumental challenge for West Ham on Sunday, the visit of third-placed Leicester City.
West Ham looked solid against Leicester | Justin Setterfield / Getty Images
In just 90 minutes, the Hammers laughed at all the ideas that their top four fee is threatened when they roared to an emphatic 3-2 victory to hold their future in their hands.
Now described as even bigger underdogs than they have been throughout the season, Moyes’ men looked to thrive on doubts that were thrown. They clearly enjoyed the idea that they would be awful and they ran with it.
From the back to the front, West Ham were overwhelmingly superior, and they were comfortably better in their two “problem positions”, defensive midfield and striker.
Rice celebrated in the stands Justin Setterfield / Getty Images
Rice’s replacement was the ever-reliable Mark Noble, who looked like the best midfielder on a pitch that also included Youri Tielemans, Wilfred Ndidi and Tomas Soucek. His passing was fantastic and his tackle was just as solid.
Would Moyes have preferred to have rice available? Yes, obviously. But all suggestions that Noble is a downgrade of the England international were laughed at here.
It was in attack that West Ham were most surprising. Losing Antonio and being forced to play winger Jarrod Bowen in a central role was a big problem, but the former Hull City man had no problems at all.
Bowen was an excellent stand-in striker Justin Setterfield / Getty Images
He took his goal with real comfort and did well to connect with his strikers – a job that became infinitely easier when Jesse Lingard wore his Ballon d’Or shoes.
The duo formed a dominant partnership that made Leicester’s back line run around all afternoon. The foxes could not handle it, and Lingard and Bowen loved every second of it.
West Ham have made it clear that injuries to Rice and Antonio will not track their magical season, but there will be more than a few nerves when it comes to Noble, who was forced off with an arm injury late.
Noble’s late injury is a concern Pool / Getty Images
Noble is not the type of man who walks easily. He tried to play on with a limp right arm, but he is eventually led for closer examination. If he needs a period on the side, West Ham could be in a bit of trouble.
For now, but let’s enjoy the positive. West Ham look like a really good football team that can survive without two of their most influential players, and it’s been a long time since fans have been able to say that.
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