Slave Bilic says that Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic offered him dinner if West Ham defeated Tottenham Hotspur in the London derby.
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic before the game
West Ham manager Slaven Bilic has revealed that Chelsea midfielder Nemanja Matic had promised to take him out to dinner if the Hammers had won against Tottenham Hotspur on Friday night.
Tottenham needed a victory against their London rivals to move within a point of Premier League leaders Chelsea, who play Middlesbrough at home on Monday night.
However, Spurs suffered a severe blow in the title race after West Ham earned a 1-0 victory, thanks to Manuel Lanzini’s strike in the second half.
West Ham United’s Manuel Lanzini scores their first goal
Tottenham mathematically are still in contention for the Premier League title, but the defeat means Chelsea will now need just two wins from their final four games to be crowned champions.
Bilic revealed that Chelsea midfielder Matic sent him a text promising to take him out on dinner if they beat Spurs.
The Hammers boss adds that Matic, 28, is a great player and a wonderful person, and that he will accept his offer with pleasure.
“If you stop Tottenham, I’ll take you out to dinner,” said Bilic to Sport Klub.
“Matic is a wonderful guy, a great player. I will accept that [offer] with pleasure.”
The victory was equally significant for Bilic and West Ham. The Hammers will be looking to end the season on a high after going through a disappointing campaign.
Bilic’s future has come under speculation in recent weeks, but West Ham captain Mark Noble said the Croatian has full support (Daily Mail) from the players.
Chelsea’s Nemanja Matic in action with Tottenham’s Victor Wanyama
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