By Sam Tonks
It has been an enthralling start to the new season for West Ham’s U23 side. Sitting in fifth place after two games, following a mixed pre-season, they have kicked off competitive action in style. One win, one defeat but seven goals scored.
Xande Silva, a new Hammer after joining from Vitoria Guimaraes this summer, adapted to life in England with ease by scoring a six-minute hat-trick in a 3-1 win over Spurs. No matter the competition, a win over your arch-rivals is always sweet.
Despite defeat to league leaders Manchester City, there was satisfactory consolation of scoring four goals in the process, in a 6-4 defeat in Chigwell. Silva was on the scoresheet again as West Ham have shown their quality of attacking forces within the opening two games of the new season.Â
Defending champions Arsenal are next up with London Stadium the venue for this important encounter. The visitors were also narrow losers to City, 6-5 showing you can guarantee entertaining encounters in Premier League 2 football. A draw with Brighton at The Emirates in midweek means they have had a stuttering start and the Hammers will be eager to secure back-to-back London Derby victories.
Midfielder Josh Cullen impressed on loan at Bolton last season, so much so that he was recalled to the first team squad earlier this year. He scored in the loss to City and will look to continue his good form, whilst supplying top scorer Silva to hurt the Gunners.
Arsenal were victors in both games between the clubs last season, but now West Ham have shown their goal-scoring capabilities, they pose a serious threat to derail the champions title defence, on Friday night under the lights at London Stadium.Â
