West Ham United Football Club run deep in tradition and loyalty. Many clubs used to run on it, but it has become more and more results and money based.
Over the years there have been many West Ham men that have graced our squad but if you ask me I would say my favourite Hammer of all time would be none other than our boy Mark Noble. Not just because he is local, or that he works hard, but since he has become the clubs Captain in 2015 he wins when he plays. Or more accurately, we struggle to win without him. That my friends is why he gets my player spotlight of the week.
Flashback
I had heard an old rumor that when Mark Noble plays he wins. That got me to do some research and the results are not far from the truth. Since he began his captaincy in 2015, our Premier League record is 39 wins, 36 draws, and 45 loses. To put it in even more perspective, in 15/16 he played in all 16 wins,16/17 9 out of the 12 wins,17/18 9 of the 10, and so far this season he played during our one win so far. Since he took over from Kevin Nolan in 2015 Mark Noble has played in 35 of the 39 victories making it so he has played in 90% of our wins. Quick disclaimer, this is only Premier League matches. And before you go slating me as a nerd hear this, when Mark Nobles plays we win!
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Flash forward
We play Manchester United this week. Some would argue that seeing Man United on the horizon makes them just flat worried, me included. =This year however they come with more drama than usual and that does give me some room to breathe. I’m not giving up my prediction just yet, you will have to read the other article, but I think we how we are currently playing there is hope for me. Why do I have hope you ask? Mark Noble
Oh Captain my Captain
Nobes has been key in the midfield the past few games and have regenerated this squad. Did I mention he wins games? Thought so, but how about the question of can he lead? Yes, he can. After the dismal start of this campaign he and the heartbreaking loss to Wolves there were reports that he got into it with several players and challenged the squad. Clearly, in the past few weeks its shown. No, he doesn’t have the skill that most have and you will never see him on too many Match of the Day highlights but he sticks like glue and is there when you need him. With some players on this Man United squad that just flat love to score on us, he has to be the key man in the middle to shut them down and move the ball forward.
We must continue the good momentum that we have and if it’s not broke don’t fix it. Starting Nobes give us a chance every time he is on the pitch and my hope it that it will show again this week because to me he will be the key again. As always, COME ON YOU IRONS!