Nuno Espirito Santo Praises 'Amazing' West Ham Star Tomas Soucek After Manchester United Draw
West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo lavished praise on midfielder Tomas Soucek following a hard-fought 1-1 draw against Manchester United in midweek Premier League action. The Hammers were held to a late equalizer at the London Stadium, but Soucek's standout performance and record-breaking goal earned special acclaim from his boss.
Late Drama Denies West Ham Victory
West Ham United appeared poised to secure a vital win on Tuesday night, taking a step closer to Premier League safety with a spirited display. However, Manchester United's Benjamin Sesko scored a 96th-minute equalizer to snatch a 1-1 draw, leaving the Hammers just short of moving level on points with Nottingham Forest and tightening the relegation battle involving Tottenham Hotspur.
Nuno Espirito Santo's side has shown improved form recently, with three wins in their last five matches, revitalizing their campaign in the thick of the relegation scrap. Despite the late setback, the manager highlighted the positive momentum and singled out a key performer for his exceptional contributions.
Soucek's Record-Breaking Moment and Impact
Tomas Soucek, who has faced criticism at times this season and spent periods out of the starting lineup, reclaimed his place by outperforming teammates like Freddie Potts and Soungoutou Magassa. Starting alongside Potts against Manchester United, the 30-year-old midfielder delivered a momentous performance, scoring his 39th Premier League goal to become the highest-scoring Czech player in the competition's history, surpassing Patrik Berger.
Soucek's goal came just after half-time, as he displayed sharp instincts to get in front of Lisandro Martinez at the near post and finish deftly through the legs of goalkeeper Senne Lammens with his left boot. This strike not only gave West Ham the lead but also underscored his growing influence in the team's resurgence.
Nuno's Post-Match Acclaim for Soucek
In his post-match interview, Nuno Espirito Santo emphasized Soucek's dual role in both attack and defense, praising his ability to find space and score while also containing Manchester United's midfield. "Having Tomas Soucek in the middle of the park allowed us to contain them better," Nuno said. "Tomas has this quality where he is always able to find space and score. And besides that, he did an amazing job during the game."
The manager's comments reflect Soucek's vital contribution to West Ham's recent form, highlighting how his presence has bolstered the team's structure and attacking threat against a Manchester United side that entered the match on a four-game winning streak.
Soucek Reflects on Record and Team Spirit
Speaking after the match, Tomas Soucek expressed immense pride in breaking the Premier League scoring record for Czech players, dedicating the achievement to his homeland. "I'm really proud to break the record, because I'm always proud of where I am from," Soucek stated. "I am from the Czech Republic, and I want the people there to be proud of me. I did my maximum to get this record, after I was level for so long with Patrik Berger, who was an incredible player. Now it's mine, and I'm so happy."
He also credited captain Jarrod Bowen for his role in the goal, noting the teamwork involved. Despite the disappointment of the late equalizer, Soucek urged his teammates to focus on the positives, drawing parallels to a recent collapse against Chelsea but emphasizing the improved spirit within the squad. "We've shown how much we care and how well we can play, and we need to build this momentum because the spirit in the changing room right now is so different to a couple of months ago," he added. "We just need to keep working and carry on."
As West Ham continues their fight for Premier League survival, performances like Soucek's will be crucial. With Nuno Espirito Santo's praise ringing in his ears, the midfielder's record-breaking display serves as a testament to his resilience and importance to the Hammers' campaign.
