West Ham midfielder Mark Noble admits annoyance from substitution against Tottenham

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West Ham captain Mark Noble has explained his frustration at being substituted off in games this season, but does understand the thinking from his manager Manuel Pellegrini.

The 31-year-old midfielder is a workhorse that has once again been a regular in the side this season and formed a good understanding alongside young talent Declan Rice.

He’s a senior player in the dressing room at the London Stadium and has been involved in 30 appearances across all competitions this season.

Noble has weighed in with three goals and four assists in the Premier League, but it’s his incredible work-rate and leadership that highlights his true quality.

The Englishman helped West Ham beat London rivals Tottenham last weekend and he covered every blade of grass to help break up play.

Noble admitted he didn’t like being substituted off against Spurs in the closing stages, but understood Pellegrini needed fresh legs and an extra defender to hold onto three points.

“The manager has substituted me a few times this season, especially lately, and we have conceded. I’m not saying I would have made a massive difference had I still been out there but, as a player, I always want to be out there,” Noble wrote in the Evening Standard.

“I think he knows that with my output, he just wants to put on a fresh pair of legs — and I can’t complain.

“I’ve got to be honest, I’m never happy when my number comes up but I knew why he wanted Angelo Ogbonna on at Spurs. They kept launching balls forward so it made sense.”

TBR’s View:

Noble knows more than most the rivalry between West Ham and Spurs, which is why it’s no surprise he turned in arguably his performance of the season against them last weekend.

He’s still a crucial player within Pellegrini’s side and recent performances suggest he is not slowing down anytime soon.

He has made a staggering 465 appearances for the Hammers and his role in the squad is perhaps underrated.

There will be times that Pellegrini may have to rest him and be careful with him going into next year, but he can still have an important role for years to come at the London Stadium.