West Ham United clinched their first points of the new Premier League season with an impressive 4-0 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers at the London Stadium.
Irons boss David Moyes will no doubt be delighted with his team’s display, even if he had to watch from home with Alan Irvine in charge.
Jarrod Bowen bagged a brace either side of the break with goalscoring midfielder Tomas Soucek and substitute Sebastien Haller kickstarting their campaigns with a pair of strikes.
The three points lifts the Hammers away from the drop zone and plenty of supporters were delighted with the performance of one man in particular.
Lining up at left wing-back Arthur Masuaku enjoyed a game and a half, assisting the final goal of the game, and here’s how some of the West Ham faithful reacted…
Masuaku man of the match by a country mile
— Sonny ⚒ #GSBOUT (@SonnyyyM10) September 27, 2020
Masuaku is literally Roberto Carlos in a back 3
— Taylor Harris ⚒ (@Taylor_Harrisss) September 27, 2020
Masuaku on his day is different gravy
— Callum Horncastle (@Cal_horncastle) September 27, 2020
People finally seeing Masuaku is an absolute baller.
— #GSBOUT TotalWHU (@TotalWestHam) September 27, 2020
This system suits Masuaku down to the ground. Relieves him of a lot of defensive duties and allows him to do what he's best at. Could be so important for us this season.
— Dan Springate (@DCSpringate) September 27, 2020
masuaku’s like a new player
— kalle #GSBOUT🇺🇸 (@LxrryFishermxn) September 27, 2020
Masuaku is a different breed at LWB
— West Ham Centre ⚒ #GSBOUT (@Westham_Centre) September 27, 2020
Masuaku is absolutely filth tonight on the ball needs to keep it going until the 90th+ minute
— Mike #GSBOUT (@mhare641) September 27, 2020
Masuaku, most technically gifted player we have!#COYI
— Graham Harrison (@WesthamGraham43) September 27, 2020
masuaku was phenomenal, antonio and soucek superb and obviously jarred bowen player of the match ironssss
— CATA#217 (@Cataloochee_) September 27, 2020
Masuaku like a prime Figo.
I take it all back.
— Jack Meoff (@Scriv007) September 27, 2020
Changed player absolutely brilliant
— Vinder⚒ (@whuvinder) September 27, 2020
The 26-year-old was tasked with the tough test of defending against Adama Traore, the player who recorded the most take-ons (183) during the 2019/20 season – by comparison, the fifth-best was Nathan Redmond with just 79 as per Squawka.
Masuaku recorded three tackles, one clearance, one interception and four key passes. He also won seven duels and had a crossing accuracy of 100% via SofaScore.
The Wolves star, on the other hand, failed to register a single shot or key pass, failed with all eight of his crossing attempts and also lost possession 18 times.
It’s ever so clear to see who won that battle and that’s something many Irons fans have reacted to on Twitter…
Adama hooked, Masuaku won.
— 🃏 🇺🇸 (@_ghzst) September 27, 2020
Masuaku taking his phone, keys and Adama Traore out of his pocket when he gets home tonight
— Shane Bailey (@ShaneBailey92) September 27, 2020
MASUAKU BODIED TRAORE OFF THE PITCH HAHAHA I LOVE THIS GAME
— Alan Rzepa #GSBOUT (@alanrzepa) September 27, 2020
Masuaku making Adama look a complete mug!
— Tiba #GSBOUT (@Tibaa21) September 27, 2020
There were plenty of comments aimed at his teammate Aaron Cresswell too, the usual first-choice at left-back. Some were pleased at his introduction as it allowed the Englishman to perform at left centre-back.
Whilst others were quick to claim that the DR Congo international was the better option in the role.
Masuaku having an unreal games. He doubtlessly makes Creswell's life a lot easier
— . 🦅⚒ (@H10Besiktas) September 27, 2020
Masuaku is streets ahead of Cresswell really down the left hand side.
— Dan Ellis (@xDellisOfficial) September 27, 2020
Cresswell always plays better when Masuaku plays in front of him #WestHam
— WESTHAM1969 (@Hammerhead2073) September 27, 2020
AND in other news, West Ham could land a new Ferdinand with a swoop for rival star…