Issa Diop was thrilled that West Ham United was able a clean sheet against Arsenal’s usually prolific strike-force following Saturday’s 1-0 win at London Stadium.
The centre back was at the heart of keeping Arsenal’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette quiet throughout the game, ensuring the Hammers secured the three points did not concede agaisnt the north London side, earning West Ham a first home win over the Gunners in 13 years.
They have amazing strikers at Arsenal, so when they don’t score I’m very happy and it tells us that the defence did a good job.
Issa Diop
After the game Diop told whufc.com “We are very happy because it was a tough game. We played very well and in the second half they had more chances, but we stayed strong.
“Arsenal are a very strong team, but it’s like another game for us. We are very happy because we won the game. Three points at home are very important for us and for the fans.
“They have amazing strikers at Arsenal. Aubameyang is the joint top goal scorer in the league and Lacazette is also very dangerous. So, when they don’t score, I’m very happy and it tells us that the defence did a good job.”
The game against Arsenal also saw Academy graduate Declan Rice score his first goal for the club, which turned out to be the crucial winner.
Diop had nothing but good words for his teammate and was delighted to see Rice score his first goal for the Irons, and is eager to follow in the 20-year-old's footsteps by scoring his first West Ham goal in the near future.
He laughed: "I hope to score my first goal soon as well. Declan is a very good guy, he scored his first goal for the club and I’m very happy for him!"
The attendance for the game against the Gunners also saw a record crowd of 59,946 at London Stadium, and the Frenchman was delighted the Hammers could give the West Ham supporters in attendance a win.
The centre back added: “When you play around 60,000 fans it’s unbelievable, they are always behind us and they were brilliant."