Issa Diop was all smiles after bouncing back from the disappointment of his Premier League debut with a goal in West Ham United’s 3-1 EFL Cup second round win at AFC Wimbledon.
The French defender suffered the misfortune of scoring an own-goal at Arsenal on Saturday by scoring a vital equaliser as the Hammers came from behind to win at Cherry Red Records Stadium.
Speaking to whufc.com after the game, which West Ham clinched through late goals from Angelo Ogbonna and Chicharito to move through to the third round, Diop was understandably delighted with his rasping 25-yard strike.
“We started the game badly because we conceded an early goal and, after that, we needed time to score. We did score and then we won the game,” smiled the 21-year-old, who also thumped a header against the crossbar moments after scoring.
“I received the ball and I shot, so I’m happy for the team. It wasn’t my best goal, as I think I scored a better one for Toulouse with a volley!
“It was very hard for us to score a goal because they defended very well. We tried and we tried and we tried and thankfully we scored.”
I received the ball and I shot, so I’m happy for the team. It wasn’t my best goal, as I think I scored a better one for Toulouse with a volley!
Issa Diop
The centre-back said Tuesday’s victory will give him and his teammates a welcome confidence boost ahead of Saturday’s Premier League visit of Wolverhampton Wanderers to London Stadium.
“It’s good for our confidence because we lost our first three games, so now we’re focused on Saturday and Wolverhampton and I hope we win this game.
“I hope I can score again, but I prefer it when we win and I don’t score. Actually, I hope I score and we win, as that’s better!”
While the Premier League will always remain West Ham’s priority, everyone associated with the Hammers would love nothing more than to win through to a major cup final.
While that may be some way off, Diop is hoping the team can continue down the Road to Wembley in the EFL Cup.
“I hope we can continue winning our games and we can win this competition!”