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Marouane Fellaini would not stop him. Even as the Belgian approached him, threatening to nullify this promising Arsenal break, Alex Song, almost instinctively, already knew what he had to do. Robin van Persie had made the run, an opportunistic dart in behind Sylvain Distin, and Song, almost surely, would find the Dutchman.
The pass was of elegant magnificence, floating nonchalantly over the Everton defence. Perhaps it was a training ground drill, one perfected upon the turf at London Colney. Van Persie's finish was complimentary, a volley that swerved beautifully beyond the impotent Tim Howard.
Song will be hoping to replicate such a feat of individual brilliance on Boxing Day at Stamford Bridge, home of Premier League leaders Chelsea. Dependent on external results and a hypothetical victory in the most intriguing of London derbies, West Ham may continue their marvellous season thus far and further advance to third in the league table.
The Cameroonian midfielder has been the driving force behind the rise of Sam Allardyce’s club, their new-found fluency and mobility and the consequent victories over the mercurial likes of champions Manchester City and Liverpool.
Resurrection
Perhaps Stamford Bridge will gaze admiringly at the former Arsenal midfielder and the Barcelona loanee, for he could have been one of their own. As elite European clubs pondered over a move for the 28-year-old, Allardyce stepped in, pushing a loan deal through. His endeavours have so far been verified worthwhile.
That is why, perhaps, the most jubilant news for Allardyce and West Ham will not have been the return to the squad of academy graduate Mark Noble from a problematic Achilles injury, but Song’s remarkable omission from the Cameroon squad for the African Cup of Nations due to commence in January. Song had planned to grace Africa’s flagship football competition, but it is a refreshing development for West Ham.
Song will argue his dearth of assists is deceiving. The Cameroonian is often deployed as a defensive midfielder, a smokescreen for the improved West Ham defence. His impact, however, has been brisk and patently evident, restoring mobility and fluency to the Hammers midfield with a mercurial range of passing, one displayed through the aforementioned assist for Van Persie during his spell at Arsenal.
The West Ham midfielder confesses Arsenal’s voyage to Upton Park on Sunday will be emotional. Song shone at the Emirates, most prominently following the departure of Cesc Fabregas when he was assigned the responsibility of conjuring up assists for the likes of Van Persie.
It was his capacity in his unfamiliar role which impressed Barcelona, with his versatility being a further attraction. The 27-year-old, however, was marginalised in favour of Xavi and Sergio Busquets. The Cameroonian spoke of his relish at training with Barca’s stars but could not withstand sitting on the bench, having starred with such prominence for Arsenal.
One of their own
Perhaps, from the reception he received upon being paraded at Upton Park prior to their defeat to Southampton early in the season, it could have been deduced that he would seamlessly endear himself to the club’s support. It didn’t take him long to assert his midfield excellence, that which enticed Barcelona’s hand.
He was nominated Man of the Match for his lavish display in the memorable victory over Manchester City in late October, producing yet another commanding display that saw a magnificent through ball to play in Enner Valencia in the build-up of West Ham’s first goal.
Song has added to that particular display, expressing his desire to remain in England once his loan spell expires. He is excited by the Olympic Stadium project and the club’s ambitions, with the process of offering corporate packages in the Olympic Stadium, their home from the 2016-17 season onwards, commencing this week.
He is, though, under no illusions of the magnitude of West Ham’s task at Stamford Bridge on Boxing Day. Perhaps, for those who will make the short trip across the London Underground in support of the Hammers, Song’s presence and composure will be encouraging, primed to wear a commanding crown with resurrection in mind.
