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West Ham overcome Crystal Palace in warm up game

By Henry Tomlinson

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Jeremy Ngakia and West Ham United manager / head coach David Moyes and Sebastien Haller at full time of the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on February 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 29: Jeremy Ngakia and West Ham United manager / head coach David Moyes and Sebastien Haller at full time of the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton FC at London Stadium on February 29, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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West Ham upped their preparations for the Premier League restart with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace in a friendly match at the London Stadium.

West Ham has struggled against Palace this season. The Hammers had lost both of their matches against them. Now that West Ham has come out victorious over the Eagles this should fill the squad with much-needed confidence before the Premier League restart.

Hammers striker Sébastien Haller was on form as he scored one of the goals. This is now Haller’s second goal in two friendly games. The Frenchman is showing some of the form that convinced West Ham to pay a club-record fee to Frankfurt for his signature.

Haller has had an inconsistent debut season since his big-money move from Germany. If, however, the 25-year-old can transfer this form into the Premier League he could fire West Ham away from the relegation zone.

The Hammer’s other goalscorer may shock some people, but surprisingly Jeremy Ngakia found himself not only on the pitch but on the scoresheet too. Ngakia is widely believed to be leaving the club after it was reported that he had rejected a new contract with the Hammers.

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West Ham manager David Moyes was even interviewed by the Evening Standard, the Scot had said that Ngakia’s situation was like a “Kick in the teeth”. It was becoming increasingly accepted that the young right-back was leaving the club.

The news that Ngakia not only played but scored too, might get people thinking that there may have been a change of heart. Many would’ve expected Ngakia to have been removed from first-team training and his place given to fellow academy graduate Ben Johnson.

Ngakia’s appearance could mean that some disagreements may have been overcome and Ngakia may sign a contract extension after all, which if so would be a massive bonus for the club.

From pictures of the match, it is clear to see that Moyes gave run-outs to Johnson, Felipe Anderson, Jarrod Bowen, Jack Wilshere, Ryan Fredericks, Michail Antonio, Manuel Lanzini, Tomas Soucek and Pablo Fornals.

It is important to remember not to get too excited at the news of victory. These last two games have only been friendlies and it is more important to get players match sharp and ready to produce when it matters.

West Ham and Crystal Palace stood together and showed their support against racial prejudice before the game. The clubs also wore shirts stating the message “WE STAND TOGETHER” in the warm-up.

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