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Every Cloud Has A Silva Lining, Byram Take A Bow

nevillenixon's picture
Submitted by nevillenixon on Sun, 24/01/2016 - 11:11

Every cloud has a silver lining, so the expression goes, and thirteen is supposed to be unlucky, so it must have been with great trepidation that Sam Byram, who had just completed his move from Leeds United, took to the stage at the Boleyn yesterday on the thirteenth minute to replace Arsenal loanee Carl Jenkinson in the enthralling 2 - 2 draw against Manchester City. Byram was not supposed to even be at the club, yet alone making his debut in such a high profile match, originally the club weren't even going to buy him until the summer. Of course the match was settled by a brace of goals from Enner Valencia from the Hammers and Sergio Aguero for City, but Byram's contribution cannot be underestimated. The young, but highly experienced defender took to the 'crucible' of a world wide television audience like a proverbial duck to water, he clearly grew in stature as the game wore on and as testimony to his ability managed to keep David Silva in his pocket, the City flier being replaced in the 83rd minute to help run down the clock.
The sight of expensive loanee Jenkinson hobbling off having just conceded his third penalty of the season (more than any other player in the barclays premier league!) would usually be a portent for impending disaster, but this is a new West Ham who have a manager who does not know the meaning of his team being beaten before they even step on the pitch, unlike many others, big name teams have hold no fear over him, in fact he seems to relish taking on the 'big boys' and thoroughly testing them. Man management is a complicated situation when players command such huge money, dealing with their collective ego's and demands takes a special type of manger, and Billic is that in spades! He took time out to heap praise upon the much maligned Enner Valencia ,who is finally living up to his reputation and proving that he has at last begun to deal with the 'physicality' of the Premier League.
“We didn’t talk about Enner since the beginning of the season, only because he got injured before the start of the season.“His quality has always been sky high and not only goals,everything. His contribution, he’s great in the air, he’s got a great touch and he’s torturing the defences that have to play against him.“He deserved this kind of performance." Long may it continue. - Ed

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The kid was outstanding. Coming on againts on of the country's top teams after he's been with us for just a few days. We are well aware how it could go, but he was superb! Top performance - just wasnt fazed at all by those 'super stars' of Man City

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150 users have voted.
andycarrollstyle's picture

Great post Nev, appreciate all you do with the site! Its a wonderful time to be a Hammer and I like many am extremely grateful to have a platform to celebrate our new golden era

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151 users have voted.
Essexhammer's picture

Agree Nev,Byram had a good debut,and now looks a certain starter.For all his attacking attributes,I hope he doesn't suffer fulfilling his defending role, which obviously, must take priority.The pace of premiership football can cruelly expose the errors of an attacking full back , both Cresswell and Jenkinson have struggled to get the balance right at times against certain opposition.As far as Valencia is concerned,I rate highly,used in his preferred position as a striker,he will guarantee goals.Just loved seeing him and Sakho up front together,a great partnership.

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117 users have voted.

Totally agree Sam Byram was very good .. But also do very much agree regarding your Valencia and Sakho Strike Force comment .. The two when fit are sure to add plenty of Goals and Pace to our side I can't wait to see it happen again !

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154 users have voted.
moore 6 legend's picture

As I said earlier thrown in at the deep end and coped very well on his debut,jenks going off,turned out to be a blessing for him,his family must be proud COYI

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162 users have voted.

I was so glad we signed him,something about him told me he was coming to the hammers.From his first touch i thought he will play his heart out for our great club,apparently his family are big westham fans...And when mark noble was stretching his leg i thought this is what its all about!!He got up hobbling & well it says it all for me...the spirit of our great club will never go away.....COYI

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179 users have voted.
moore 6 legend's picture

Cheers 65 X yours too mate! Yeah heard his uncle was at the club shop as soon as he signed for us having Byram put on his shirt,how cool is that being a hammer fan,his family living the dream COYI

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161 users have voted.
moore 6 legend's picture

Do you need any of me Kleenex 65,I've stocked right up on em,there've started selling the Payet special job lot at the club shop now ;)

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157 users have voted.
asheshammer's picture

I was really worried when he came on, not because I didn't think the lad was quality, but it WAS a bit like throwing him to the wolves. It was really good to see not only how well he played but how quickly Payet and the rest of the team incorporated him into the game plan. He just slotted in like he'd been there 3 seasons. Love your comments about Valencia too, Nev. He was exactly in the right place for the first goal and very enterprising for the second. 4 goals in three matches now and he must be very keen to get back on the pitch for more. The next match will be pretty damn interesting. Then after that, whatever happens in the cup, we are positioned to make a good run. And the whole rest of the season looks reasonably good to me.

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163 users have voted.

Just a slight side track I have noticed recently. Just been looking at some of the treads and they are definately starting to get bigger and bigger! Is the forum starting to snow ball? I think so. Reflects the resilience of nev and the posters on here

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146 users have voted.

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