Souček: We want to keep competing with the top teams
West Ham United have had some impressive successes in December against some of the Premier League’s normally strong opponents, and Tomá Souek is hungry for more.
The Hammers’ 2-0 triumph over the Gunners at the Emirates Stadium on Thursday was their third straight Premier League victory, their sixth in eight league matches, and a result that gives the east London club its best-ever points record at the halfway stage of a Premier League season.
The Czech midfielder is quite proud of his team’s performance.
“We spoke about it in the dressing room,” Souek told West Ham TV. “If we want to repeat our success from last season, we need to compete with the top teams.” In that perspective, December has been a near-perfect month when you consider some of the teams we’ve defeated. We intend to continue in this manner.
“[The outcome against Arsenal] was ideal.” We are grateful that we were able to win here, as it helps us in the table and boosts our confidence. It was a wonderful Christmas present for everyone at West Ham, and the end outcome is something we can all be proud of.”
Against an Arsenal side looking to reclaim first place in the Premier League,
“Arsenal are one of the top teams in the league, so it’s always difficult to play against them, especially away from home,” Souek stated. We were fighting, and scoring the first goal helped us a lot.
As everyone at West Ham looks back on a very successful 2023, which included 32 wins in all competitions, including that magical night in Prague, Souek is ready for the challenges that 2024 will bring.
The Irons’ next opponent is Brighton & Hove Albion, and the midfielder understands the necessity of keeping the high standards set by the club.
“We have Brighton & Hove Albion up next and that’s another important game, another possible three points, so we’ll keep going,” he said. “We’re in a great position in the league but if we slip off for one or two games then you fall down the table, so we have to keep going.”
“It gave us a lot of confidence, and we knew we could win.” I told the boys that we could beat them because we beat them earlier this season in the Carabao Cup. I believe it was a comparable performance to that game.”
That first goal came from Souek, who used his positioning to slam home from Jarrod Bowen’s cut-back early in the first half.While the midfielder received praise for his eighth goal of the season,”I figured, or hoped, Jarrod would pull the ball back. If you are unable to score, you should return the ball for another player to score. He passed in order to keep the ball alive, and I tried to be in the right spot at the right time. He did an excellent job.
“I told Dinos he should be happy because it’s his first goal for West Ham, but I understand his admiration for Arsenal.” He delivered an outstanding performance. He had to fight and find his way here for the first couple of months, but he’s growing better and better, and I’m very glad for him. This goal will also boost his confidence.
As everyone at West Ham looks back on a very successful 2023, which included 32 wins in all competitions, including that magical night in Prague, Souek is ready for the challenges that 2024 will bring.
The Irons’ next opponent is Brighton & Hove Albion, and the midfielder understands the necessity of keeping the high standards set by the club.
“We have Brighton & Hove Albion up next and that’s another important game, another possible three points, so we’ll keep going,” he said. “We’re in a great position in the league but if we slip off for one or two games then you fall down the table, so we have to keep going.”
