"He will be a monster for us": West Ham fans have already fallen in love with Solomon
The Israeli winger scored in his debut match, a 2:2 draw against Burnley, and positive reactions began even before he found the net: "He was brilliant", "He is going to be a success". Solomon was interviewed after the game: "Happy to score, but we didn't deserve to win".
Manor Solomon has arrived at West Ham: The Israeli started in the lineup against Burnley, was one of the most dangerous players on his team, and capped it off with a goal that made it 0:2 in the 72nd minute. Although West Ham lost the lead on the way to a dramatic 2:2 draw, Solomon emerged from this evening as one of its bright spots.
During the match, fans called on social media to pass the ball more towards the Israeli. "Need to move the ball faster and get it to Solomon," wrote one of them, and another added: "Need to get Bowen and Solomon into higher positions on the pitch." As the minutes passed, the tone became more enthusiastic. "Solomon looks good today," wrote one fan, and another already declared: "He is going to be a success." Another reaction was even more unequivocal: "Solomon has been brilliant so far."
Another fan even estimated that the Israeli's presence would improve the players around him throughout the season, and in particular left-back Ollie Scarles: "He will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of Solomon's presence this season."
And then the goal came. Mohamed Kante broke through on the wing and sent a cross, and Solomon arrived at the right place and sent it into the net. In The Guardian, they described the move as a moment where West Ham reminded of the "Premier League quality" it has in its squad. Online, the celebration around the Israeli continued.
"This man will be a monster for us," wrote one West Ham fan immediately after the goal.
Another fan complimented Kante on the assist, but the very fact that Solomon arrived in his first game at a position from which he could have closed the game did not escape the crowd's attention. Some already began comparing him to beloved attacking players from the past: "Solomon reminds me of Benrahma," wrote one of them, and another added: "I really thought for a moment we had Lanzini on the pitch." Another fan settled for two words: "Solomon is quality."
The comparisons may be premature, but they certainly testify to the impression the Israeli made in his very first appearance in the league. Solomon said after the game:
"I scored the second goal, I was very happy. In the first half we played well, we created opportunities and pressed. In the second half we didn't play as we should, we didn't deserve to win today. I want to thank the fans who encouraged me in the game. I was really happy to play with this crowd, looking forward to the home game on Saturday."
