Mauro Zarate is enjoying his football under new West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic – every bit of it.
The No10 showed exactly why he is loved by so many Hammers fans by producing an action-packed all-round performance in Sunday’s 2-0 Barclays Premier League win at Arsenal.
The Argentine forward not only scored West Ham’s second goal and combined promisingly with new boy Dimitri Payet, but he also put in a shift that earned praise from his manager and teammates alike.
Speaking to West Ham TV, Zarate could hardly contain his happiness after making a triumphant return to Barclays Premier League duty in a Claret and Blue shirt.
“We are so happy, everyone, the Chairmen, the staff, the players, the people, the fans!” said the smiling South American, who scored in West Ham’s first away game of the season for the second successive year. “It was a really hard match but we took three points, so we are so happy.
“I think my work was more important than my goal. We worked so hard, we ran and we kept the ball when we had to and we scored, and if you don’t score you don’t win the match. They played very well, but we worked so much.
“It was not easy. We played behind Sakho with Dimitri and we tried to keep the ball and to shoot when we had the chance. We worked with their players, running back with them, but it was not easy.”
The No10 showed exactly why he is loved by so many Hammers fans by producing an action-packed all-round performance in Sunday’s 2-0 Barclays Premier League win at Arsenal.
The Argentine forward not only scored West Ham’s second goal and combined promisingly with new boy Dimitri Payet, but he also put in a shift that earned praise from his manager and teammates alike.
Speaking to West Ham TV, Zarate could hardly contain his happiness after making a triumphant return to Barclays Premier League duty in a Claret and Blue shirt.
“We are so happy, everyone, the Chairmen, the staff, the players, the people, the fans!” said the smiling South American, who scored in West Ham’s first away game of the season for the second successive year. “It was a really hard match but we took three points, so we are so happy.
“I think my work was more important than my goal. We worked so hard, we ran and we kept the ball when we had to and we scored, and if you don’t score you don’t win the match. They played very well, but we worked so much.
“It was not easy. We played behind Sakho with Dimitri and we tried to keep the ball and to shoot when we had the chance. We worked with their players, running back with them, but it was not easy.”
I think my work was more important than my goal. We worked so hard, we ran and we kept the ball when we had to and we scored, and if you don’t score you don’t win the match
After threatening in the first half, during which Cheikhou Kouyate broke the deadlock with a header, Zarate scored a calming second after West Ham won the ball back deep in Arsenal territory for the umpteenth time.
After collecting 25 yards out, the forward looked up and wrong-footed Petr Cech with a low shot inside the near post, leaving the new Gunners goalkeeper helpless.
“It was a good goal, I think! Before the goal, I had a chance to shoot but I did another feint and they blocked me, but the next play Cech took a step to the left side and I shot at the front post and luckily it went in.”
Zarate sped away towards the 3,000-strong Claret and Blue Army, leaping into the air before being mobbed by his teammates – a feeling he clearly thoroughly enjoyed.
“The people always tell me good things. When I went to Queens Park Rangers they asked ‘Why are you going? Please stay’ but that was a bad time.
“Now it’s another year and I’m with another staff and I want to show what a player I am.
“It was a fantastic match and a fantastic result. For many years West Ham didn’t win in this stadium or against Arsenal so this win was very good for us and for the staff and for the fans.”
While his goal was the crowning glory, West Ham fans will also be encouraged by his on-field relationship with Payet, who impressed Zarate himself with his ability to take the pressure of his team.
“I think he did a fantastic match,” the former Velez Sarsfield star confirmed, when asked for his assessment of Payet’s Barclays Premier League debut. “He kept the ball and he dribbled many times, but it was good for the team to take a break.
“He is an important player and we have to help him and work all together. If we work, we can make results like this.”
After collecting 25 yards out, the forward looked up and wrong-footed Petr Cech with a low shot inside the near post, leaving the new Gunners goalkeeper helpless.
“It was a good goal, I think! Before the goal, I had a chance to shoot but I did another feint and they blocked me, but the next play Cech took a step to the left side and I shot at the front post and luckily it went in.”
Zarate sped away towards the 3,000-strong Claret and Blue Army, leaping into the air before being mobbed by his teammates – a feeling he clearly thoroughly enjoyed.
“The people always tell me good things. When I went to Queens Park Rangers they asked ‘Why are you going? Please stay’ but that was a bad time.
“Now it’s another year and I’m with another staff and I want to show what a player I am.
“It was a fantastic match and a fantastic result. For many years West Ham didn’t win in this stadium or against Arsenal so this win was very good for us and for the staff and for the fans.”
While his goal was the crowning glory, West Ham fans will also be encouraged by his on-field relationship with Payet, who impressed Zarate himself with his ability to take the pressure of his team.
“I think he did a fantastic match,” the former Velez Sarsfield star confirmed, when asked for his assessment of Payet’s Barclays Premier League debut. “He kept the ball and he dribbled many times, but it was good for the team to take a break.
“He is an important player and we have to help him and work all together. If we work, we can make results like this.”