Angelo Ogbonna is excited for West Ham United’s first London derby of the Premier League season as Tottenham Hotspur visit London Stadium on Wednesday evening.
The Italian defender has made a long road back into first-team action after he suffered a serious knee injury in his side’s 3-2 win over Liverpool in November 2021.
Ogbonna had made a few appearances for the Hammers in pre-season and also for the U21s this summer, before he played his first full 90 minutes following his return against Viborg FF in the first leg of our UEFA Europa Conference League play-off – a match he skippered the side in.
After the Hammers picked up their first three points of the season at Villa Park, Ogbonna admits he is thrilled by the prospect of a London derby under the lights in east London.
“I think it was really important for us to get three points,” Ogbonna said of the Hammers' successful trip to Villa Park.
“It is not easy every year to push on. I think we have started the season a bit slowly. The expectation – because we did well last season – is very high.
“We showed our strength [in the last match]. We had a little bit of luck, but we were really focused for this game.”
Now into his eighth season as a Hammer, Ogbonna knows what the fixture against Spurs means to the club.
The Irons defender has fond memories too. After a brace from André Ayew, Ogbonna netted the winner as West Ham overturned a two-goal deficit to win 3-2 and reach the Carabao Cup quarterfinals in 2017.
Now, the Hammers No21 is hopeful for another memorable win on Wednesday. This time against a manager he knows well, having been part of Antonio Conte’s Italy squad for the UEFA European Championships in 2016.
“This is a very special and an important game,” stated Ogbonna. “The fans they want us to win the game.
“It is a very very tough game. Antonio Conte is a good manger. He is very emotional manager. We need to be focused – not just because we play against him – but because in the Premier League every game is a challenge for us.”
Ogbonna finished the 2019/20 season as runner-up to Declan Rice as Hammer the Year but is currently making his way back to full fitness.
He revealed that the last nine months have been a huge challenge, but one he was able to overcome with the support of his teammates and coaches.
“Every day I feel stronger,” he said. “I can’t say I was not excited [for my first game]. It was a little bit emotional – even for my family as well.
“It was tough [last season]. It’s a lonely time. I appreciated [the help of my teammates and manager]. They have been behind me and supported me. It’s been a long journey.
“You never stop learning, being at West Ham for eight years has changed my life.”
