West Ham put in a really solid performance away at Southampton this evening.
There were many standout performers for the Hammers, but there was one player who really showed his mettle, despite perhaps flying under the radar somewhat – Angelo Ogbonna.
The Italian has been superb for West Ham this season.
He came into the team after the Hammers’ first game of the season against Manchester City.
And he has been virtually ever present since.
Angelo Ogbonna in action(Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images)
The 31-year-old has been rock solid at the back for West Ham this term. And his display against the Saints was another one right out of the top drawer.
Ogbonna gives the Hammers a certain level of calmness and solidarity that they do not seem to possess when he isn’t playing.
The 13-capped Italy international is a real fan favourite at West Ham too. And it seems as though it will be incredibly hard for Issa Diop to force his way back into the team now.
Some Hammers fans took to Twitter and raved about Ogbonna’s display vs Southampton…
I thought Ogbonna was very good tonight. Antonio was different class.
— Mark Davies (@rugbyhammer) December 14, 2019
ogbonna different gravy
— Stephen George Lott (@stephenlott) December 14, 2019
Antonio and Ogbonna were fantastic
— Matt Turner (@mattturner_97) December 14, 2019
Thought the whole team was excellent especially Ogbonna and Antonio
— ethan (@WhuEthan) December 14, 2019
Ogbonna MOTM.
Antonio is actually our best player when fit.
The hard work he puts on every minute of the game is insane.Noble classy today.
— Diogo☔ (@eezeeu) December 14, 2019
Ogbonna has stepped up massively this season. Antonio has been our most effective player since last christmad when he got going again after being bad for a while.
— Juho⚒️ (@AlmostaTrueFan) December 14, 2019
Angelo Ogbonna appreciation tweet.
HOTY be an absolute country mile
— West Ham Transfers (@westhamtransfer) December 14, 2019
Huge performance from Antonio, great goal from Haller, class midfield work from Nobes, Ogbonna had some brilliant moments, but still many problems to fix. No doubt that Haller and Antonio as a pair is DANGEROUS.
— Nick’s Sporting Goods 🏉⚽️🏈🏀 (@NickySports) December 14, 2019
Ogbonna was pretty awesome. Overlooked by Antonio. Haller was very good also
— Jay Thorogood (@JayThorogood19) December 14, 2019
Low-key hero’s Balbuena & Ogbonna #WestHam
— Rob Waldon WHUFC ⚒ (@RobWaldon) December 14, 2019
Well deserved win. Balbuena, ogbonna and especially Antonio brilliant. Amazing how VAR can pick up the ball brushing antonio’s arm, but not the defender wrapping his arm around his neck earlier. At least we won. Probably six more wins for safety!!
— Bradley Smith (@123bradsmith) December 14, 2019