Robert “McMessi” Snodgrass stars in West Ham’s comeback win

West Ham came from behind to continue their unbeaten wins streak, extending it to nine points in three matches. Robert Snodgrass led the team on the pitch with a superb effort all match long, including a stunning goal.

Adorned with the nickname McMessi, Robert Snodgrass has been impressive in West Ham’s team this season. He finally got his just desserts after week-in week-out hard efforts with his first goal of his West Ham career, and what a goal it was.

Andy Carroll was brought on, Masuaku missed him on the initial cross that fell to Zabaleta on the other side of the box. Zabaleta laid in a cross that got deflected out to the top of the box where Snodgrass was waiting. He hit is on the second bounce and slotted it perfectly in near post top corner.

It was an absolutely perfect shot that beat the outstretched Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey. He clearly assumed Snodgrass would go far post but the tricky shot surprised him and about 55,000-plus West Ham supporters in the London Stadium.

Pegged as West Ham’s Top Performer on TheScore, Snodgrass put together an impressive stat line on the night; one goal, three key plays, four crosses, and five corner kicks. In more depth, Snodgrass had 72 touches, 40 passes, and one shot that was on target.

It meant so much to him because of the adversity he’s faced since coming to West Ham. A right-sided attacking midfielder bought to replace a leftwinger, abused by the owners and their families, sent on loan to the Championship and eventually brought back. Snodgrass has worked harder than most for his first Premier League goal at this club, and it showed in his celebration.

Pellegrini knew there was more in the tank with Snodgrass after joining the team this summer. He challenged Snodgrass to lose weight and when he did, he provided him every opportunity to get regular minutes in the first team. The injury to Andriy Yarmolenko and the formation change that Pellegrini has selected have been massive boosts to Snodgrass, who took his opportunities and ran with them.

He’s a special player and one the team had fully embraced. Injuries or not, Robert Snodgrass is a player that makes West Ham better and now that he has one under his belt, the sky is the limit for West Ham’s McMessi on the right side of the pitch.