OPINION
There have been few players more dedicated and loyal to one club playing in the Premier League right now than West Ham midfielder and captain Mark Noble.
A firm favourite of the Irons faithful for his no-nonsense, all action displays in the middle of the park, the 31-year-old is a born and bred Hammer and shows that every time he steps onto the pitch – although his displays of late have left much to be desired.
Starting both the 4-0 defeat to Liverpool and the 2-1 loss at home to Bournemouth, the midfielder came under fire from both fans and pundits alike and injury ended up ruling him out of the clash against Arsenal on Saturday – although Manuel Pellegrini may well have been considering dropping his mainstay at any rate.
The man taking his place against the Gunners – in one of four changes to the starting XI – was Carlos Sanchez, the summer signing who was making his debut for the east London outfit, and the former Aston Villa man’s inclusion could well be the beginning of the end for Noble.
4?? changes and Arnie's our captain today! pic.twitter.com/r3Ot1vvxRl
— West Ham United (@WestHam) August 25, 2018
Sanchez was no doubt brought in to bring some energy and fight to the middle of the park and with Noble having been exposed at lacking those two elements alongside another summer signing Jack Wilshere, it is the Hammers veteran whose place is under fire.
The Irons, after a summer of big spending, are looking at taking themselves to the next level of the Premier League and those lacking the quality needed will find themselves cast out sooner rather than later.
That could well include Noble, and he is facing a fierce fight to prove his worth after so many years of loyal service.