Angelo Ogbonna can’t get enough of the winning feeling that West Ham United are providing so regularly at the moment.
The Hammers’ fine start to the 2021/22 campaign continued with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory at Leeds United on Saturday – one which centre back Ogbonna said once again demonstrated the character this team possesses.
They were made to work for it by Leeds, who edged in front on 19 minutes through Raphinha, but came unstuck in the match’s final quarter as the Hammers came roaring back.
After Jarrod Bowen’s shot was deflected into his own net by home defender Junior Firpo, Michail Antonio struck a 90th minute winner to thrill Ogbonna, his teammates and the 3,000 travelling fans.
Watch highlights from Saturday's win here
“We’re so delighted to win this game away from home,” the No21 said. “I think in the first half we didn’t really play well – we had our chances, but then we conceded and came back in a strong way.
“In the second half everyone did their job and we deserved to win. We showed today, like we showed in midweek at Manchester United too, that we are in a good way.
“We know that it’s not easy to play against Leeds. They run all the way and for us to come here and get three points is magnificent.”
I think our fans today were another man on the pitch. They pushed us on and that’s why we scored in the last minute to get what we deserved
Angelo Ogbonna
Antonio’s sixth goal of the season ultimately made the difference and Ogbonna was full of praise not only for the striker, but for the entire squad for the effort they put in this week to win at Leeds and Manchester United in the Carabao Cup.
“It’s another goal for Michail Antonio and he just likes to score!” he continued. “The job that he did today for us was unbelievable and not just him, but the two guys in the middle of the park, Saïd, Jarrod as well – he played the three games this week and we can’t forget that. I think he did really well. All the team did really well and we deserved to win.”
The praise was also shared around the defensive unit, with Ogbonna quickly striking up a partnership with new arrival Kurt Zouma.
“It’s good to have Kurt here, he’s strong in the air, he’s a good leader. He came from a big club like Chelsea and is used to this kind of game, European games. He can control and read the game, and not just him but everyone,” he said.
“We played really well in midweek too – Issa, Craig and Alphonse. We have a very good squad and everyone in West Ham must be proud of that. I can only praise everyone, it’s a good moment and a good run.”
Ogbonna closed by hailing the impact of the travelling Claret & Blue Army, who spurred the team on with their magnificent support.
He said: ‘The crowd here is always unbelievable, but I think our fans today were another man on the pitch. They pushed us on and that’s why we scored in the last minute to get what we deserved.”
