Robert Snodgrass’s performance vs. Macclesfield justifies Pellegrini’s pre-season faith

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This time last year, Robert Snodgrass did not appear to have a future at West Ham.

Just half a season after arriving from Hull City, Snodgrass was sent on loan to Championship side Aston Villa.

Snodgrass was publicly criticised by the board and looked set for a summer exit. But Manuel Pellegrini decided to give the Scotland international another chance.

And it looks like that decision may have been justified with his early season displays.

Snodgrass delivered a masterclass last night in West Ham’s 8-0 win over Macclesfield Town.

Here are some components of his game which are worth highlighting.

Work rate

Snodgrass always puts in 100 per cent, which is exactly what West Ham fans want to see.

The 31-year-old does plenty of running, tracking back and moving the ball forwards.

He is always looking forward, thinking positively and trying to influence the game.

Service

Snodgrass has a magnificent left foot and West Ham fans were aggrieved that they had not seen more of this in the past.

His crossing ability is excellent and provides countless chances for the Hammers.

The Scotsman is also a specialist from set-pieces. This was used to good effect last night.

His out-swinging corner led to the Irons’ opener as Macclesfield failed to clear a dangerous ball into the box.

In the second half, his corners once again caused panic among the Macclesfield defenders.

His left-footed in-swinger was met by Angelo Ogbonna to nod in West Ham’s fifth.

Goals

West Ham fans have been waiting for Snodgrass to get himself on the score sheet.

And he netted his first (and second) goals for West Ham last night.

Both of them were due to his desire to get onto the end of the ball. With the score at 1-0, Snodgrass popped up in the right place at the right time to poke into an empty net.

Then, with five goals already on the board, many players would have given up on this ball.

But he stormed into the box, beat a handful of defenders to the loose ball and slotted into the bottom corner.

Hopefully his brace will give him the confidence to start finding the net in the Premier League.