West Ham prove top-four spot is theirs to lose in Leicester win
By Tom Gott
Declan Rice is out. Michail Antonio is out. Without his two best players, David Moyes' West Ham bubble will surely burst.
That was the narrative heading into what was supposed to be a monumental challenge for West Ham on Sunday, the visit of third-placed Leicester City.
In just 90 minutes, the Hammers laughed off any idea that their top-four charge is under threat as they roared to an emphatic 3-2 victory to keep their future in their hands.
Now billed as even bigger underdogs than they have been all season, Moyes' men looked to thrive on the doubt thrown their way. They clearly relished the idea that they were supposed to be awful, and they ran with it.
From back to front, West Ham were overwhelmingly superior, and they comfortably had the better of things in their two 'problem positions', defensive midfield and striker.
Replacing Rice was the ever-dependable Mark Noble, who looked like the best midfielder on a pitch which also included Youri Tielemans, Wilfred Ndidi and Tomas Soucek. His passing was superb and his tackling was just as solid.
Would Moyes have preferred to have Rice available? Yeah, obviously. However, any suggestions that Noble is a downgrade on the England international were laughed off here.
It was in attack that West Ham were most surprising. Losing Antonio and being forced to play winger Jarrod Bowen in a central role was a massive concern, but the former Hull City man had no troubles whatsoever.
He took his goal with real comfort and did well to link up with his fellow forwards - a job made infinitely easier when Jesse Lingard has his Ballon d'Or shoes on.
The duo formed a dominant partnership that had Leicester's back line flopping about all afternoon long. The Foxes couldn't handle it, and Lingard and Bowen were loving every second of it.
West Ham have made it abundantly clear that injuries to Rice and Antonio will not derail their magical season, but there will be more than a few nerves when it comes to Noble, who was forced off with an arm injury late on.
Noble's not the kind of man to go off easily. He did try to play on with a limp right arm, but he was eventually brought off for closer inspection. If he needs any period on the sidelines, West Ham might be in a bit of trouble.
For now, however, let's enjoy the positives. West Ham look like a genuinely good football team who can survive without two of their most influential players, and it's been a long time since fans have been able to say that.