West Ham captain Mark Noble returned to the team for the Hammers’ 3-1 win over Watford at the weekend. The 32-year-old had sat out the first two matches due to injury.
With the midfielder back in the starting eleven, Manuel Pellegrini’s side had more control in the middle of the pitch, and supporters on Twitter have been crediting the talisman for his leadership qualities:
I thought Mark Noble was absolutely superb yesterday. A proper captain's performance, leading by example.
Having said that, is it not slightly alarming how much we still depend on him? #WHUFC #COYI
— West Ham Fan Zone (@WHUFCFZ) 25 August 2019
It really does highlight again how much we need a big CM signing. William Carvalho imo was always that player and we let him get away. This position plus the defence must be where we pump money into in Jan / next summer
— Brad Palmer (@Mr_BA6) 25 August 2019
It is concerning how much difference it makes when he’s isn’t in the team. We really need someone to come in and provide that energy and combativeness in midfield. Hopefully it will be the priority in the next few windows.
— d__a_n (@orcadan) 25 August 2019
We need another player in the squad who can run/be the engine of the midfield. I'm not criticising Obiang but he was never that level of CM, & that's not Rice's role. They're not easy to come by but that + full-back has to be recruitment priority in Jan (I'd still take Clyne RB).
— David Cann ? (@drwhofan_194) 25 August 2019
New contract
— Brad ? WHUFC (@BradHellyer1) 25 August 2019
Players like that are very hard to come by, he’s irreplaceable as he lives and breathes the club. Hopefully Rice can follow his lead and once he gains that experience over the next few season he can carry on the mantle.
— Steve Wand (wandie) (@Wandsworld) 25 August 2019
Totally agree it's his leadership qualities that standout never mind what he offers as a player. However it's a position that has to be addressed along with the defence next summer or even January. We are building as a team but more is needed as we said in the summer.
— William Field (@wilfield71) 26 August 2019
Noble was superb against Watford yesterday and added extra presence into the midfield which we lack when Wilshere plays as he is afraid to get injured when putting challenges in. Could be a huge season for Noble who always raises his own game when he place is under pressure.
— Josh Verrills (@WestHamJoshV) 25 August 2019
Noble’s absence was certainly keenly felt in the games against Manchester City and Brighton, and while he has had his critics over the years, the Hammers star clearly offers experience and a level head in the middle of the park.
He also had a direct impact on proceedings very early on in the match by scoring his penalty after just three minutes. His reliability from 12 yards out should not be underestimated and the composed finish set West Ham on their way to their first win of the season.
