Super Sub Mark Noble leads West Ham to comeback draw

It was certainly not how Manuel Pellegrini drew it up, but West Ham came from two goals behind to take a point in what proved to be a frustrating match against Brighton. The comeback was led by captain Mark Noble who came off the bench in the 63rd minute and provided an instant boost.

After replacing starter Andy Carroll for Lucas Perez at halftime for his first substitution, Manuel Pellegrini was forced into a 63rd-minute double change with Mark Noble and Michail Antonio replacing Pedro Obiang and Robert Snodgrass after quickly going down 0-2.

Just three minutes later Noble sent a long ball over the top that found Marko Arnautovic in the box. With Shane Duffy all over him, Arnautovic shielded the ball and put it through the keeper’s legs to bring the game back in reach for the Hammers. Noble’s ball was lovely and was created all from his vision and urgency that he brought to the pitch.

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The second goal again was scored by Marko Arnautovic on a superb finish from a driven pass off the boot of Michail Antonio. Antonio, who much like Noble brought some lacking intensity, narrowly kept the ball in play before picking out his striker and setting up the tying goal for the Irons.

What will likely go unnoticed from this goal is Noble’s vision again on display. The captain instigated play with another long ball, this time finding Antonio down the sideline. Noble picked out the fresh winger by keeping his head up and seeing the runs before they happened.

Outside of his play on the pitch, Noble took a moment to make a memory for a fan that he won’t soon forget. As is often the case, Noble found a worthy recipient for his match-worn jersey and handed it to the young Hammer on the sidelines. Overwhelmed with emotion the supporter hugged his dad in celebration as West Ham’s captain matched his off-pitch performance to his amazing on-pitch showing.

That's what it's really about ❤️
Thank you for your support 👏 pic.twitter.com/pilCCP4CKn
— West Ham United (@WestHam) January 2, 2019

dark. Next. Is Chicharito's injury TOO convenient?

It was a terrific bounce-back performance for Noble today who earned his starting position back from Obiang after a bad showing at Burnley. With Noble being the only midfielder who can hang with Declan Rice on a regular basis, Pellegrini may have to dip into the transfer market soon to bolster the team.