Jesse Lingard was the match-winner for West Ham during their victory over Tottenham Hotspur at the London Stadium. The on-loan midfielder is enjoying his time with the Hammers and wants the team to take confidence from the win into their next games.
"“All the lads are confident, the whole team’s confident and the management is confident and it’s about maintaining that concentration and work ethic and focus to go on and beat City. As I say, we go into that game full of confidence.”Lingard wants confidence."
West Ham moved into the top four in the Premier League after beating Spurs. Lingard has already provided a lot of inspiration since joining the club in January. The 28-year-old wants to continue to help the team be successful this season by using his energy and winning mentality.
West Ham moved into the Champions League spots after Jesse Lingard’s goal was the difference in a 2-1 win over Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League.
"“I think we’re really good. Obviously, this season is one of the best seasons West Ham has ever had and I’ve come here to bring energy and I feel like the focus and mentality of the team to go on and win games like today’s has been tremendous and I can only come here and help that.”Lingard on his impact at West Ham."
It was the first time the Hammers beat Tottenham at the London Stadium since 2017, when Manuel Lanzini scored the only goal of the game. The match between the two London sides has become West Ham’s biggest derby game of the season as the club’s historical rivals, Milwall, linger in the Championship.
Due to the current lockdown restrictions, no fans could be in attendance to watch the clubs victory. Lingard letter fans know that their support can be felt on the pitch despite fans not being in the stadium.
"“The place would have been rocking today. We can still feel the support from home and we know how much it means to the fans, and being able to see football on TV is a blessing and hope they enjoyed it today.”Lingard on fans."
Lingard scored his goal early in the second half with a well-taken finish. The midfielder combined with Pablo Fornals before running on to the ball and lashing it past Hugo Lloris. The goal was initially ruled out for offside, but VAR intervened and judged there to be no offside and correctly gave the goal.
"“We had to be patient and remain positive that the goal was going to be given and thankfully it was”Lingard on his goal."
Tottenham did get themselves back into the game through a header from Lucas Moura. The North-London side did create some chances to snatch an equaliser, but West Ham managed to keep them at bay. The midfield duo of Tomas Soucek and Declan Rice were vital in stopping Spurs from creating any clear-cut chances.
Lingard, Fornals and Jarrod Bowen also put in a lot of defensive effort. The work rate of all the midfielders meant the Hammers formed an almost impregnable wall that Tottenham could not get through.
"“We knew it would be a tough game after that because Spurs are a good side, but we stayed compact in midfield and tried to create chances when we can, which is what we did.”Lingard on midfield perfromance against Spurs."
With only 13 games left of the season, West Ham look set to have their best-ever season in the Premier League since it started. Next up is a tricky trip to Manchester to take on Pep Guardiola’s City team that have won 18 matches in a row in all competitions.