1. Paquetá shows his class.
Some player is Paquetá.
If any were in doubt of the talent this man possesses on a football field then Sunday night was a reminder of his qualities.
An entertainer. A battler. A superstar. Paquetá worked his magic in east London whether neatly controlling down an Angelo Ogbonna pass, shrugging off Casemiro, or leading the Hammers attack both with and without the ball, this was a player who has more than found his mojo.
Only Thilo Kehrer made as many as Paquetá’s three tackles, with the Brazil creator also recording 78 per cent passing completion.
As he left the field, there was a smile on the Brazil midfielder’s face. He’s loving the support and adulation - and rightly so too.
“I have never felt support like this at any other club,” he stated. “I’m so happy to be at a club with a fanbase like this one.”
2. West Ham are massive!
As the clock ticked into the stoppage time, there was some noise in London Stadium.
With West Ham ahead – and set to beat Manchester United for the first time since 2021 – the Claret and Blue Army were up and had east London rocking with 62,477 – a record Club attendance – in full voice.
As noise rippled around the stadium, it felt like a moment where the Club was set for a final push in a season that could yet bring European silverware.
After all, it has been a testing journey for the Hammers this season, but that support has been there - through thick and thin.
But nights like this are just reward for such support - a win that will live long in the memory of those in Claret and Blue.
3. Antonio. Bowen. Benrahma.
Before last season, 2011/12 was the last time three West Ham United players scored ten or more goals in a single season - Carlton Cole, Ricardo Vaz Tê and Kevin Nolan.
But for successive seasons, Michail Antonio (13), Jarrod Bowen (11) and Saïd Benrahma (10) moved into double figures for goals in all competitions.
Benrahma’s first-half strike - one that secured a first win over Manchester United since 2021 - meant the trio have achieved the feat in consecutive seasons. Stunning.
4. Defensive resilience!
While the Hammers’ defence of Nayef Aguerd, Thilo Kehrer, Angelo Ogbonna and Aaron Cresswell all impressed, there was no doubt that two players went above and beyond to get their side over the line.
Tomáš Souček put his body on the line more than once. The Czech midfielder put his head amongst boots, shirts and the ball, to clear his side’s lines. And despite receiving a heavy blow for his troubles, got back to his feet and continued to lead his side’s charge for victory.
Then there was Thilo Kehrer’s showing, arguably his best in Claret and Blue. No defender made more than his three tackles, who also recorded 88 per cent passing completion.
The two players combined to see off the late pressure from the visitors - but it was some performance across the defensive line from the Hammers.
