In a stunning display, we overwhelmed West Ham at the London Stadium, securing a commanding victory with all five goals coming in a dramatic first half.
Gabriel opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a strong header from a corner. Leandro Trossard quickly followed up by tapping in our second, before Bukayo Saka earned a penalty after being fouled in the box—Martin Odegaard converting it expertly. Kai Havertz showcased his pace, racing onto a Trossard pass to extend our lead to 4-0 before the half-time mark.
West Ham sparked a brief comeback with two quick goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson, but we regained control when Saka converted another penalty just before the half-time whistle, taking the score to 5-2 at the interval.
We dominated early, holding over 80% possession in the opening moments. The breakthrough came through a set piece, with Saka providing an accurate delivery for Gabriel to score. It marked the Brazilian’s fourth goal this season, all from headers.
Despite a disallowed goal from West Ham’s Crysencio Summerville, we continued to build momentum. Trossard scored after a clever build-up, and Odegaard stepped up confidently to score from the penalty spot after Saka was fouled in the area. Just moments later, Havertz finished off a slick move that left the score at a shocking 4-0.
West Ham fought back, with Wan-Bissaka scoring at the near post and Emerson curling a free-kick into the top corner. Yet, just before half-time, another Saka corner led to a penalty after a collision between Gabriel and the goalkeeper, which Saka converted, ensuring we finished the half in a strong position at 5-2.
The second half, however, saw a drop in goals but retained intensity, with both teams creating chances. The momentum from our first-half performance carried us through as we recorded three consecutive wins and an impressive 13 goals in just a week, demonstrating our readiness as we advance into a busy December schedule.
Looking ahead, we face Manchester United at home next Wednesday, followed by another London derby against Fulham on Sunday. This strong performance sets an optimistic tone for the upcoming fixtures, and fans can look forward to continued excitement and potential success in the league.
In summary, this match not only reflects our current form but also highlights the squad’s depth and capability to perform under pressure. With each game, the team bonds and grows stronger, leaving supporters hopeful for what lies ahead.