West Ham’s fab 4 FINALLY confirmed followers their aptitude underneath Julen Lopetegui in Ipswich demolition – however they have to show their price towards sterner opposition, writes KATHRYN BATTE

After a tough begin to the season, West Ham followers lastly bought a glimpse of the attacking model of soccer they’ve craved since Julen Lopetegui was employed as head coach.

Their entrance 4 — Jarrod Bowen, Mohammed Kudus, Michail Antonio and Lucas Paqueta — had come underneath hearth for his or her lack of productiveness in entrance of aim.

Solely Bowen had scored from open play earlier than Saturday. Antonio and Kudus had no targets whereas a penalty towards Aston Villa on the opening day was Paqueta’s solely contribution in the Hammers‘ first six video games.

However all 4 discovered the web towards Ipswich, with Bowen grabbing two assists. The West Ham captain, 27, has been his aspect’s finest participant this season however was disregarded of the England squad final week, having managed just one aim and one help earlier than Saturday’s sport.

Lopetegui hailed his response to lacking out on a call-up and team-mate Emerson was additionally filled with reward.

‘It is good for the boldness,’ mentioned Emerson. ‘He was unbelievable. It is good for everybody to attain.

‘Each participant up entrance desires to attain, make assists and influence our video games. They’re our prime gamers. You possibly can’t do it each sport however they’ve the standard to do it each sport. For this you typically see frustration. However they at all times work for the staff off the ball as nicely.’

West Ham followers could now be extra optimistic about Lopetegui’s model of soccer, however the positivity won’t final lengthy in the event that they fail to construct on this outcome towards Tottenham and Manchester United later this month.

West Ham have been helped by an Ipswich aspect who performed themselves into hassle too usually.

‘The fourth aim was good play however we nonetheless did not defend it nicely sufficient,’ boss Kieran McKenna mentioned. 

‘However apart from that, the targets got here too simply from issues that have been too easy for them.’

McKenna will really feel Ipswich must safe a primary win of the season of their subsequent three video games towards Everton, Brentford and Leicester.