NO one shows their delight at scoring better than Hammers defender
Anton Ferdinand.
The first senior goal of his career at Watford last season was
greeted with a novelty dance in front of the away fans. His second,
an injury-time equaliser at White Hart Lane to snatch Hammers a
point against Spurs, was destined to be met with a similar show of
joy.
However, the 20-year-old Academy graduate admitted that when the
moment came he was just too carried away with emotion and hampered
by the celebrations of his jubilant team-mates to produce the kind
of steps seen at Vicarage Road last season.
But the defender admitted that his headed goal from Paul
Konchesky's corner was just as, if not more, important.
"I was just buzzing afterwards that we got a point,"
he confessed. "The goal was so important for us, because you
could see by the reaction how much it meant to everyone that we
took something from that game.
"It was an important point, because it's not easy to take
something from White Hart Lane. But we showed a lot of
togetherness, kept pushing right to the end and got the goal that
our play probably deserved.
"For the corner I wasn't in the position I was meant to be
in. To be honest, I saw Shaka storming forward in that bright
yellow jersey and I thought he was going to head it when the ball
came over.
"Thankfully he didn't, I saw a gap between Paul Robinson
and the defender at the back post, aimed for it and fortunately it
went in."
And then the celebrations, as Hammers rejoiced the goal that had
sealed a draw against London rivals Spurs.
"I was do delighted I was just doing whatever came into my
head," admitted Anton. "It just came to me and I started
to do it. I wanted to do something to celebrate, but all the boys
just surrounded me and jumped on me.
"I tried to push them off so I could do something. I
wasn't really sure what it was going to be, I knew I
couldn't do the same thing twice though!
"It was really good to score, especially as I had lots of
friends in the crowd again. It was a terrific moment."
His vital goal aside the defender also more than played his part in
a solid Hammers performance that limited the home side to sporadic
attacks. However, a fierce critic of his own play, Anton was
disappointed about the part he played in Spurs' goal.
"I was a bit disappointed because I was a bit too far forward
and let Mido get behind me," he said. "But we really hung
in there and it was a great team performance.
"At half-time the manager told us to be positive because we
were matching them and although they did have some chances, we also
had some good opportunities.
"We never looked out of the game, we worked incredibly hard
and I don't think anyone could say we didn't deserve a
goal."
That goal, the second of Anton's fledgling first-team career,
also gives him the upper-hand against brother Rio, who he will face
this Sunday as Hammers take on Manchester United.
Rio is yet to score this season, which puts Anton ahead in a
competition of brotherly love.
"I've got a little bet going with Rio about goals this
season," revealed Anton, "so I'm glad that I've
pulled ahead!"