I think the team that started is now our first choice for the foreseeable future.

Maybe Clyne/Ward, but that's about it.

Ayew is a player reborn. Schlupp brings balance. They're definitely justified starters at present.

Was anyone else slightly (only slightly) disappointed to see Ayew central, rather than inside left? I think he's done so well there, it's a shame to limit his effectiveness with the ball when cutting in, picking those through-balls.

I quite like the potential for Zaha and Ayew to inter-change mid game. They can both play as centre forward, but both prefer the wide left forward role. Wilf pre-occupies defenders so much, I like the thought of the two of them switching about just to test the concentration of those assigned to them, keeping full back and centre back on edge as to who's in charge of who.

In general, we have a great balance of fluidity and discipline. I love how Eze and Olise have their thing going on. You always know Doucouré is close by, keeping possession ticking over, providing a shield for Eze and co to take a risk. Schlupp brings balance and drive, and Ayew works so hard.

A month ago, we were so slow and static. Now there's energy, there's overlaps all over the place. It should never have been such rocket science getting this forward line to work.

I am positively glowing with happiness.
A thoroughly deserved victory with some scintillating football.

W.Ham looked somewhat 'Leggy', they were no match for us in 'Open Play' and of course all their goals came from rank awful defending at corners.My heart was in my mouth when they were awarded corners in added on time at the end of the game.

Alan Pardew was seated in my vicinity but I did not get an opportunity to engage in conversation with him.

As a result of the stupendous win, the reservation for a meal with my dear wife will be honoured and not cancelled !

Edited by Willo (29 Apr 2023 6.52pm)

NOT a penalty. I was stuck at home watching on TV cos' I've not fully recovered from flu. They showed the replay a couple of times and Zaha started the contact by pulling the defender down on him. Not a penalty.

Certainly our defending at corners was abject.
Two of the goals followed the same routine at corner kicks, a flick on and a header at the back post.
For their third goal, I do believe that Johnstone should have been positive and punched clear. The ball was in the air for a while and the header was from within the 6 yard box.

I have to depart HOL for a meal with my dear wife. She can be a darned termagant and harridan and is beckoning me in forceful fashion.

Edited by Willo (29 Apr 2023 7.09pm)

The most one sided 4-3 I’ve ever seen.
Was really a 5-1 performance , but such was our vulnerability from set pieces I thought they may sneak a draw towards the end.
The one advantage of Benteke was that he would head away near post corners and we don’t seem to have anybody to perform a similar function in the current team which means we are vulnerable to flick ons.
Nonetheless, it was an excellent performance with a number of MOM candidates.
Edouard could learn some lessons on how to play an all round central striker role from Ayew .
The unsung Ward and Schlupp also continued their current good form.
Doucoure also shows promising signs with the rash elements of his game less visible.
Roy and Ray have done a very good job in getting the players to show what they are capable of.