There’s no more debate and no more hate — Tomas Soucek has officially sealed his West Ham legend status with yet another heroic display.
A man for all seasons, all occasions and a man’s man if ever there was one – Tomas Soucek has saved West Ham yet again.
In his second game as a makeshift striker, Soucek scored his second goal as he showed the instinct of a forward to score the winner in their six-pointer against Burnley.
The Hammers gave themselves a great platform with a superb 3-1 win over Newcastle last weekend with Soucek scoring the killer third in that game.
Scapegoat Soucek does it again for West Ham
He was at it again at the London Stadium as he scored within moments of replacing Callum Wilson, reacting quickly to chest home from a yard or so out after Martin Dubravka saved Lucas Paqueta’s effort.
Seconds after twirling away with his helicopter celebration, Soucek showed what makes him so special.
He was down at the other end putting his head where it hurts to bravely clear the ball in his own box when Burnley were threatening to instantly equalise.
How about his part in West Ham’s all-important third in the vital 3-2 win – the first time the Hammers have tasted back-to-back victories since December 2023?
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Dropping into midfield, Soucek picked up the ball and drove at the Burnley defence before unleashing a rasping drive which Dubravka could only parry.
Kyle Walker-Peters was on hand to tap home – but this was Soucek’s goal.
Tomas Soucek puts West Ham in front in their Premier League win over Burnley at the London Stadium
Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images
The big Czech has taken many blows in his time at West Ham, not all of them to his often bloodied face or head.
The worst have been those he has suffered off the pitch, as the go-to scapegoat for a section of Hammers fans who feel he no longer warrants a place in the team.
Soucek has faced increasing levels of criticism over the last few years despite being West Ham’s best and most consistent player behind Jarrod Bowen since they both arrived in January 2020.
As he closes on six years of stellar service, though, Soucek has now silenced every critic with another tireless and decisive performance that embodies everything the club stands for.
Just a couple of weeks ago Soucek was subbed off in the 2-1 defeat to Leeds, in which he uncharacteristically missed a golden headed chance.
No more debate and no more hate as Soucek seals legend status
The criticism from a vociferous minority was so harsh it prompted former West Ham ace Vladimir Coufal – Soucek’s best friend – to blast some Hammers supporters on social media.
Soucek himself then spoke out, apologising for West Ham’s dire situation.
It was yet another example of just how selfless the midfielder – and now auxiliary striker – is.
Soucek also vowed to be the leader in turning the Hammers around under Nuno Espirito Santo.
Well he may have lost his place in the team of late but that’s exactly what he has done since.
When West Ham needed someone to step up in their hour of need, and with their Premier League survival hopes hanging by a thread as teams above threatened to pull away, that man Soucek stepped up.
His cameo was so good it actually made him a contender for man of the match.
Let’s have it right, Soucek has more lovers than haters at West Ham.
But it is often the minority who shout loudest.
With his gutsy performances and goals this week, though, Soucek has put an end to the hate and the debate.
He is now a certified West Ham legend and few are more deserving.