Tomas Soucek dedicated his goal in West Ham's crucial 2-1 win over Wolves to injured striker Michail Antonio after being involved in a car accident.
Antonio is still receiving treatment in hospital following the incident on Saturday, with the Jamaican international being honored by players and fans at the London Stadium on Monday evening.
The Czech midfielder opened the scoring against fellow strugglers Wolves, with Jarrod Bowen scoring the winner after Matt Doherty had leveled the game.
After his header reached the far corner in the 54th minute, Soucek honored his teammate with a celebration, before Bowen held up a T-shirt bearing the 34-year-old's name after he scored in the 72nd minute.
Tomas Soucek scores a wonderful goal for West Ham! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/cyyIWkAs1q
– Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024
“The goal was his,” Soucek told Sky Sports. I dedicated it to him. I said before the game that I really want to score more today. It's been here since I've been here. It's really my favorite. I said it would be difficult for me to play without him.
“I'm glad he's okay, but this is for him. He's a top player and he's in my heart. It was really difficult for us. I was with the kids and I saw this information on the phone.
“I messaged everyone to ask them what had happened and how it was. I was so afraid of what would happen. It has been a very difficult week for him, his family and for us.
“We had a video call with him and the whole team before the game. He smiled at us and gave us all the best. I can't wait to visit him. He's a really lovely guy and funny too. He even made a few jokes before the game and wished us all the best.”
“He's West Ham's all-time top scorer. He's probably one of the best players West Ham have ever played with. He'll be with us soon. These things can happen, but I hope he gets better soon.”
Bowen: Goal means “everything”
Regarding the meaning of his goal, Bowen said: “Everything.
“To share that moment, he's not here with us but I'm sure he (Michail Antonio) was watching and the fans heard them. An emotional few days.”
The win gives the Hammers a big boost
West Ham rose nine points above the relegation zone after the win, and captain Bowen hopes to inspire them with a strong campaign before the holiday period.
He added: “That should give everyone a boost. This is an opportunity now, December is probably the busiest time on our schedule all season.
There are a lot of games coming and this is the start of the round that we can put together. “We go to Bournemouth next week and it will be a tough game but this could really get us started.”
