Sometimes it can take a challenging low to inspire an awesome high – a philosophy imbued in few better examples than Andriy Yarmolenko.
When the popular Ukrainian forward fell to the floor with no players around him against Tottenham last October, it seemed a crushing end to a promising first few months of life in Claret and Blue.
While a torn Archilles would rule the popular No7 out for the remainder of the 2018/19 campaign, the forward has set about this season making up for lost time – and then some.
Not only has Yarmolenko registered three goals and one assist in his six league appearances so far, but he has also delivered man-of-the-match displays in his last two games, opening the scoring with fine finishes against both Manchester United and Bournemouth.
Yet, ahead of Crystal Palace’s visit to London Stadium this weekend, Yarmolenko delivered an ominous warning to upcoming opposition: his best is still to come.
“Of course right now I feel really good, whereas before, I was having to work really hard, every day, every month [to recover],” Yarmolenko said.
“I am happy because I love this game. Football is really important in my life, and right now I am really enjoying my time at this club.
“I’m happiest when I’m playing my best football. Of course, it’s not my hundred per cent [right now], but I feel it’s coming.”
West Ham have enjoyed a promising start to the Premier League season, sitting fifth in the table and going undefeated in their last six matches.
Following their early results, many have speculated that manager Manuel Pellegrini and his side’s sights are set on European qualification this season.
In accordance with his manager, however, 29-year-old Yarmolenko stresses the importance of remaining focused on taking each game as it comes.
“For us it’s just important to move from one game to another,” Yarmolenko said.
“He [Pellegrini] is a good coach. He always talks with us, and he wants us to play attacking football, technical football.
“Of course now we are fifth, and playing well, but the league only started a few weeks ago. We must think about our game, play our best football, and we will see what happens in the end.”
Every home game we feel the fans behind us. Our fans are great, and I'm really excited to play at London Stadium.
Andriy Yarmolenko
West Ham will be looking to further such ambitions on Saturday evening when they host a Crystal Palace who have also delivered some recent impressive performances.
The Irons have recent history on their side against the Eagles – the Club are undefeated in their last eight games against their South London visitors – and Yarmolenko is backing the Claret and Blue faithful to roar his team to another victory.
“Every home game we feel the fans behind us,” he said. “Our fans are great, and I’m really excited to play at London Stadium. Of course in the next game against Crystal Palace, we play at home.
"We must play with aggression, we must show our best football as against Manchester United – and hopefully, we will win.”
