Tomas Sucek dedicated his goal in West Ham’s crucial 2-1 win over Wolves to injured striker Michail Antonio following a car accident.
Antonio remains in hospital following Saturday’s incident, with the Jamaica international being honored by players and fans at the London Stadium on Monday night.
The Czech midfielder opened the scoring against compatriots Wolves, with Jarrod Bowen scoring after Matt Doherty leveled the game.
After his header found the far corner in the 54th minute, Soucek honored his team-mate by celebrating, before Bowen held up a shirt bearing the 34-year-old’s name after netting in the 72nd minute.
Tomáš Souček with a HUGE goal for West Ham!
pic.twitter.com/cyyIWkAs1q
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) December 9, 2024
Sucek told Sky Sports: “The goal was for him. I dedicated it to him. I said before the game that I really wanted to score even more today. He’s been here since I got here. It’s really my favorite. I said it would be difficult for me to play without him.
“I’m happy he’s doing well, but that’s for him. He is a huge player and he is in my heart. It was really difficult for us. I was with the kids and saw this information on the phone.
“I texted everyone asking what happened and how he was. I was so afraid of what was going to happen. It’s been a really tough week for him, his family and us.
“We had a video call with him, with the whole team, before the game. He smiled at us and gave us the best. I look forward to visiting him. He’s a really great guy and funny too. He even made some jokes before the game and wished us the best.
“He is West Ham’s all-time top scorer. He is probably one of the best players West Ham have had. He will be with us soon. These things can happen, but hopefully it will be even better soon.”
Bowen: Goals mean ‘everything’
On what his goal meant, Bowen said: “Everything.
“To share this moment, he’s not here with us, but I’m sure (Michael Antonio) was watching him and you fans heard them. Exciting two days”.
Win gives Hammers huge boost
West Ham have climbed nine points clear of the relegation zone with the win and captain Bowen hopes they can inspire a strong run into the festive season.
He added: “It should give everyone a boost. This is an opportunity now, December is probably the busiest time in our schedule all season.
There are a lot of games coming up and it’s the start of a series that we can build together. We go to Bournemouth next week which will be a tough game but that could really kick us on.”
