Ogbonna hails Hammers hero Payet

After four straight defeats West Ham finally got their season back on track with a last-gasp win against Accrington Stanley in the EFL Cup, and Angelo Ogbonna thanked the contribution of star midfielder Dimitri Payet.

The Hammers move to the Olympic Park has not gone to plan as yet, with West Ham struggling to recreate the atmosphere and feel-good factor of the Boleyn Ground.

West Ham lost to Astra Giurgiu in the Europa League First playoff round, before losing three consecutive Premier League fixtures against Manchester City, Watford and West Brom.

But when it looked as though extra-time beckoned against Accrington Stanley, Payet stood up when it counted most and fired in an injury-time free-kick to lift the mood at the Olympic Park.

And Ogbonna believes Payet’s crucial contribution could be the catalyst for a West Ham revival.

The centre-back said: “Thank you for Dimi!

Photo by Ian Walton/Getty Images

“Every time when Dimi comes into the game he can change things. It is not just about him, but [Manuel] Lanzini as well. He can keep the ball.

“Both of them are really important for us and they showed the different level they can bring to the team.

“It was a really tough game and it was not easy but we needed this win for the team and the manager.

“I am excited because we have not had an easy period so this victory is very important for us. This is our home and it has not been easy playing in the new stadium with all the expectations.

“Maybe that pressure was not good for us, but we had to change things and hopefully this is the beginning. This is a new experience and now we know what is important for us and the fans.”