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‘Proving the haters wrong’: Some West Ham fans in awe of ‘wizard’ who tore Celtic apart

Giuseppe Labellarte

Sat 24 July 2021 19:15, UK

West Ham United fans have praised Pablo Fornals’ superb display in Saturday’s pre-season friendly win over Celtic.

The Hammers ran out 6-2 winners over the Hoops in Glasgow, and the 25-year-old maestro weighed in with two assists.

West Ham conceded first at Parkhead as Callum McGregor fired the hosts into an eighth-minute lead.

However, David Moyes’ charges equalised through Michail Antonio midway through the first half.

And on 32 minutes, Fornals provided an amazing through-ball for Antonio to run on to and rifle in his second.

Mark Noble then converted a penalty to make it 3-1 at the break, and West Ham weren’t done by any means.

Although Ryan Christie pulled one back after the restart, the Hammers restored their two-goal advantage on 54 minutes.

Fornals delivered another sumptuous assist, setting up Said Benrahma to make a mockery of the Hoops back line and slot home.

Jarrod Bowen then added a fifth on 74 minutes before former Hoops man Armstrong Okoflex made it six late on.

While most of West Ham’s players shone, plenty of fans singled out Fornals’ efforts on the day.

What West Ham fans said about Fornals’ display v Celtic:

And Lanzini prior to that
His passing and vision back in that slot is impressive
Fornals just proving the haters wrong time and time again

— Mac ⚒️ (@SS1Mac)

Pablo Fornals wearing the number 8.

We've unlocked a different beast ⚒️

— 𝙒𝙚𝙨𝙩 𝙃𝙖𝙢 𝙍𝙚𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 (@_WestHamReport)

Fornals is such a baller

— Ibby (@1bbyWHU)

Fornals is an assist master

— Bradders (@bradleyjames22)

Oh my word what a goal from Benrahma. Excellent composure and calmly tucks it away.

Have to say that ball from Fornals was pin point, again.

— Louie (@louiefootbalI)

Pablo Fornals. What a player.

— Khaleem Azam (@AzamWHUFC)

Antonio has been a class above anyone else on the pitch. Must say Fornals is special, love the bloke runs himself into the ground and sprays the ball about.

— Connor Humpage (#GSBOUT) (@connorahumpage)

Fornals is my favorite player to watch. He's everywhere.

— cloun ⚒ (@just_cloun)

Pablo Fornals is a wizard 🧙‍♂️

— Shane Bailey (@ShaneBailey92)