West Ham fans were so focused on former favourite James Collins that they completely missed a current first team star sat amongst them at Arsenal.
The Hammers went into yet another two-week international break off the back of a 2-0 defeat at Arsenal.
West Ham’s trip to the Emirates was always going to be a difficult one given the gulf between the two sides.
And so it proved as Arsenal ran out comfortable winners.
There were plenty of positives for West Ham, though, under new manager Nuno Espirito Santo.
West Ham display at Arsenal gives Nuno plenty to build on
Arsenal were never really troubled by the Irons but defensively Nuno had the side much more organised, committed and aggressive.
It certainly gives the Portuguese something to build on after the break with some winnable games on the horizon against Brentford, Leeds and Burnley.
Arsenal didn’t really have to get out of first gear to get the victory, helped by former Hammers captain Declan Rice controlling the game and scoring.
Rice is just one of the many reasons Hammers fans may have had their minds elsewhere at the weekend.
Hammers fans dished out the usual panto jeers to the midfielder.
Rice didn’t celebrate his goal but let West Ham fans know what he thinks of taunts.
The former beloved Academy of Football graduate may have gone a bit too far when Rice goaded Hammers fans with a social post after the Arsenal win.
There were other distractions in the away end at the Emirates too.
Arsenal stewards tried to stop West Ham fans protesting against the board with black balloons and flags.
They failed, though, as supporters made their feelings clear.
West Ham fans also spotted former hero James Collins watching the game in amongst them.
West Ham fans missed current star sat amongst them at Arsenal
Serenading Collins with chants of ‘One Ginger Pele’, it was a lovely moment for the big fan favourite and supporters.
What Nuno could do with a player like ‘Ginge’ right now.
It’s not the first time Collins has been in with the away fans at West Ham games since he retired and respect levels for the Welshman have been raised even further by his Emirates appearance.
But while they were focused on Ginger Pele and the protests, West Ham fans completely missed a current first team star sat amongst them at Arsenal.
Highly-rated young midfield star George Earthy quietly joined the away end for the clash with Arsenal — and most supporters didn’t even notice as he kept a low profile.
Boy George is so down to Earthy
One person who did spot him, though, was Hammers insider ExWHUemployee.
And having spoken to Earthy and his dad at the game, Ex has a positive update on his current hamstring injury situation.
Earthy also revealed to Ex that he has held positive talks with Nuno and is looking forward to getting back sooner than first expected.
“George Earthy was in the stands at Arsenal,” Ex revealed on The West Ham Way podcast.
“Everyone focused on Ginger Pele, and he was in the stands as well, but slightly in front of him to the right and about four or five rows down, was George Earthy.
“I had the privilege of speaking to him and his dad Paul, who is a really good bloke, and his brother as well and I just said ‘How’s the injury coming along?’
Nuno rates Earthy and he could be back sooner than expected
“And it’s a bit better than first feared, it should only be four to six weeks that he’s out now. He’s looking forward to coming back and hopefully making his mark on the first team.
“He’s had a positive chat with Nuno since he’s been in the building but obviously only had one training session with him before he did the hamstring (injury). Hopefully he’ll recover quickly and get his chance to show what he can do.”
West Ham certainly need more guile and as much energy as possible in the team.
Earthy has similarities as a player to Morgan Gibbs-White – who really rose to prominence at Forest under Nuno.
Hammers fans will be hoping the new head coach can have a similar impact of Earthy at the London Stadium.
