Courtesy of Friday evening’s stunning 3-1 win over Watford, the Hammers moved to within a point of Premier League safety, with two matches of the season remaining.
The job might not be completed yet, but the pressure is well and truly off of David Moyes’ side after recording consecutive Premier League victories for the first time since the 31st of August.
On Friday night Tomas Soucek starred once again, and the Czech Republic international’s menacing back post runs are beginning to become a regular feature of Moyes’ side. The 25-year-old has now found the net three times in 11 Premier League matches after his header put the Hammers in control just ten minutes in against the Hornets.
After the match, Darren Bent revealed how he has been particularly impressed with Soucek’s performances and the influence he has had since arriving in London.
What did he say?
Speaking to Football Insider, Bent said: “What an absolutely unbelievable header. He’s done so well, Soucek, so well.”
“He’s scored big goals for them, massive, massive, massive goals for them and he’s another one I’d sign up quickly because he has done so well. Important goals when they needed him,” added the former striker with 106 Premier League goals.
Bent stated: “He stepped up, he’s been unlucky in certain situations as well because there’s been goals that have been ruled out, that have been taken off him. He’s been fantastic, and these players have stepped up when they really needed to.”
Positive influence
West Ham were outside the relegation zone on goal difference when Soucek arrived from Slavia Prague on loan and courtesy of his influence this side appear set to extend their stay in the Premier League. The central midfielder’s trio of top-flight goals have been vitally important as Bent suggested, helping the Hammer to accumulate seven points since the top-flight returned from its hiatus.
Unless a disaster occurs in the final two matches of the season, it now appears that Soucek will become a permanent fixture in East London as West Ham’s survival will trigger an option to buy in his loan deal. At £13m he would be undoubtedly one of the bargains of the season and could have a very bright future ahead of him at the London Stadium if he continues to score at an exceptional rate.
