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West Ham in 2021 – Year Recap

By Alex Smith

Said Benrahma of West Ham celebrate with Declan Rice, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
Said Benrahma of West Ham celebrate with Declan Rice, Aaron Cresswell, Michail Antonio. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /
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April 

Declan Rice picked up an injury and would miss six games, he had been so influential throughout  that many feared the worse despite Mark Noble coming in to offer experience and leadership at a crucial time of the season.

West Ham led 3-0 again, surely lightening couldn’t strike twice – well it nearly did. The attack was firing, Lingard danced through the Wolves team to score a screamer, he then created Pablo Fornals‘ goal with a Diego Maradona inspired turn. Bowen then riffled in West Ham’s side’s third. Again though David Moyes’ side put all fans on edge as Wolves fought back to 2-3. The Irons held on for three points keeping them in the race for a Champions League place

Again, West Ham were 3-0 for the third game running, this time versus Leicester. A Lingard brace and Bowen goal put the Hammers in full control but again they nearly threw it away. The Foxes fought back to 3-2 and missed a huge chance to take a point away from the game. Fans were beginning to dream of Champions League nights next season, it was now a seriously possibility after beating a close rival in the battle.

WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Jesse Lingard of West Ham United scores their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on April 05, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)
WOLVERHAMPTON, ENGLAND – APRIL 05: Jesse Lingard of West Ham United scores their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Wolverhampton Wanderers and West Ham United at Molineux on April 05, 2021 in Wolverhampton, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images) /

A chaotic match followed away at Newcastle, we lost 3-2 but shocking defending led to Issa Diop scoring an own goal and Dawson getting sent off. It was the East London’s side turn to fight back levelling the match at 2-2 before the then on fire Joe Willock scored the winner. It was a real dent in West Ham’s top four hopes.

May

Mark Noble announced that he will be retiring at the end of the 2021/22 season.

Manuel Lanzini played for the first time in a deeper position as West Ham tore apart Burnley. Antonio scored both as Said Benrahma began to shine after a slow start to life at the club. The 1-2 scoreline flattered Sean Dyche’s team.

Two back to back flat performance saw Everton beat us 0-1 then a 1-1 draw to Brighton. Benrahma finally scored his first goal in claret and blue with a fantastic long range strike proving their was promise to come for next season.

Those two results led to a top four spot being out of their hands. A European finish was still possible with two matches of the season remaining.

Former Hammers boss Sam Allardyce set to out to ruin West Ham’s season. West Brom were already relegated but it was far from an easy match. Rice’s third minute penalty hit the post then soon to become summer transfer target Matheus Pereira scored directly from a corner, catching Darren Randolph, playing instead of the injured Lukasz Fabianski, out.

This was the first time all season a match was played in front of fans, 5,000 Baggies supporters were allowed as Covid-19 rules were slightly relaxed but they were to be disappointed. West Ham fought back via strikes from Soucek, Angelo Ogbonna and Antonio as West Ham left it late to go within touching distance of a European place.

West Ham capped a brilliant season in front of 10,000 fans beating Southampton 3-0 with help from a Fornals double and a Rice solo goal.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Pablo Fornals of West Ham United celebrates with teammates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on May 23, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – MAY 23: Pablo Fornals of West Ham United celebrates with teammates after scoring their team’s first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Southampton at London Stadium on May 23, 2021 in London, England. A limited number of fans will be allowed into Premier League stadiums as Coronavirus restrictions begin to ease in the UK. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images) /

David Moyes’ side had finished 6th in the Premier League with 65 points qualifying for the Europa League with Moyes saying in a speech after the game, “get your passports ready, we’re going to Europe”. West Ham finished above London rivals Spurs and Arsenal and were just two points behind 4th place Chelsea.

June

A quiet month took place as Dawson’s permanent transfer was completed and Fabian Balbuena departed. All eyes were on Euro 2020 as Andriy Yarmolenko starred for Ukraine.

July

Declan Rice ran the game in the final of the Euros but England sadly lost on penalties to Italy.

Italy’s midfielder Nicolo Barella (L) and England’s midfielder Declan Rice vie for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2020 final football match between Italy and England at the Wembley Stadium in London on July 11, 2021. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Italy’s midfielder Nicolo Barella (L) and England’s midfielder Declan Rice vie for the ball during the UEFA EURO 2020 final football match between Italy and England at the Wembley Stadium in London on July 11, 2021. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / POOL / AFP) (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /

Felipe Anderson left the club to return to Lazio after a mixed spell in East London. Alphonse Areola arrived on loan from PSG.

Pre-season began, West Ham went undefeated, a 2-6 win over Celtic gave fans hope the coming season would be as good as the last.

Carry on to the next page to read the rest of the year: