Mark Noble Has To Pay Up Expensive Bet After Jesse Lingard's Incredible Form

Jesse Lingard's incredible form at West Ham United since joining in January has come as a surprise to everyone, none more so than club captain Mark Noble.

On Sunday, Lingard added his seventh and eighth goals for the Hammers, in just nine games for the club, helping to defeat Leicester City.

As well as helping the Hammers' drive towards a top four finish, the goals mean that no player has scored as many in the Premier League as the on loan Manchester United player since he moved to the London Stadium.

The eighth goal however would have delighted and pained Noble in equal measure, with the club captain, who is set to stay one more season at the club, revealing it meant he lost an expensive bet.

"As much as Jesse's goals were fantastic," Noble told the club's website, "I had a bet with him when he first came to the club that if he scored eight goals, I'd pay for a night out for him and a stay in the Corinthia Hotel [in central London], so it's going to cost me a few quid!

"He's been fantastic for us hasn't he!"

Noble begrudgingly celebrates with his teammate. Image: PA Images

A room at the Corinthia Hotel the night of the final day of the season, presuming Moyes' team have something to celebrate that night, costs from around £500, with suites costing up to £4,000.

Of course if the Hammers do manage to finish inside the top four then Noble will certainly be more than happy to pay up from his bet.

The win over Leicester puts the side just one point below the Foxes, who are currently third, and they remain one point ahead of Chelsea and three clear of Liverpool in sixth, with just seven games to go.

There is still a chance West Ham could finish inside the top four and not make the Champions League, if Liverpool or Chelsea win the Champions League finishing fifth or lower in the league and Arsenal win the Europa League.

West Ham players celebrate their third goal on Sunday. Image: PA Images

Despite his incredible turnaround in fortunes since his move, there's no guarantee that Lingard will be at West Ham next season, even if they get Champions League football.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side could ask for up to £60 million for the 28-year-old and the Hammers won't be the only team interested in him.

Reports have linked Arsenal, Inter, PSG and Real Madrid with potential moves for the on loan star!

Topics: Football, Manchester United, Premier League, West Ham United, Jesse Lingard

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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