OPINION
West Ham may have lost their third game in a row to start the Premier League season on Saturday, but there were definitely positives for manager Manuel Pellegrini to take away from the match.
London rivals Arsenal ran out 3-1 winners despite Marko Arnautovic opening the scoring, with efforts from Nacho Monreal and Danny Welbeck coming either side of an unfortunate own goal by Issa Diop.
It was the second time in two weeks that the Hammers have surrendered a lead, and defence is most definitely a concern for Pellegrini moving forward.
Further forward, a midfield containing Carlos Sanchez and Jack Wilshere looked a solid one, and a good performance from Robert Snodgrass on the right was another positive.
There was however one player who stood head and shoulders above the rest for the Irons: record signing Felipe Anderson.
The £36million Brazilian was in rampant mood for West Ham, and was heavily involved in their only goal as he exchanged passes with Arnautovic before a fine finish from the Austrian.
Arnautovic being forced off in the first half through injury was a blow for the Hammers, but Anderson’s bright play going forward provided a big threat, and he has begun to illustrate just why the club paid so much money for his services.
What must be noted is that Pellegrini chose to experiment with Anderson in a central position against the Gunners, operating in a number 10 role just behind the striker.
That switch seemed to spark Anderson into life after a lacklustre opening two games for his new club, and it is something that Pellegrini must now make a permanent fixture.
Despite the 5ft 9in Brazilian [Transfermarkt] being more of a natural winger, the freedom afforded him in a central position seemed to help Anderson unleash the shackles of his first two displays.
And, with the Hammers having players like Michail Antonio and Andriy Yarmolenko to occupy the wide areas, they will not be missing Anderson in those positions.
Anderson must therefore be deployed in this role in the long-term, in a move which will surely help West Ham pick up the points they need to after this slow start to the season.