Surely few full-backs have produced better all-round performances this season than Emerson did for West Ham United on Monday evening.
The Italian was simply sensational in the Hammers’ 4-2 Premier League win over Brentford at London Stadium.
With his close friend Lucas Paquetá back in the line-up after recovering from injury, playing in front of Emerson down the left flank, the 29-year-old was back to his very best, defensively and as an attacking force. Time and again, the pair combined to get West Ham up the pitch, using their almost telepathic understanding.
Emerson himself was unstoppable, setting up Jarrod Bowen’s opening goal inside four minutes, then adding the fourth with a stunning 25-yard strike into the top corner, as the Irons produced their best attacking display of the season.
So good was Emerson’s performance that he was given a perfect ‘10’ rating by analytics website WhoScored, having led his team in a host of statistical categories with 90 touches, 53 passes, five interceptions, four tackles and four key passes, in addition to his goal and assist - and crucial goalline block from Ivan Toney, to boot.
Unsurprisingly, the No33 was all smiles when he spoke to West Ham TV…
Emerson, that was an important victory, our first in 2024?
“It was nice for our fans, our group, and our team. It was a happy night for everyone. I’m very happy with the win as it was very important for us.
Jarrod scored a hat-trick, but surely your fantastic goal was the highlight of the night?!
“It wasn’t luck, it was a beautiful goal. When the ball came to me it was too good a chance not to shoot and when I shot, I saw the ball heading forwards goal and said, ‘that’s a goal, it’s impossible for the keeper to save it’ and it was a very nice goal.
It was no coincidence that your superb performance came with Lucas back in the team. Your understanding on the pitch is unbelievable?
“We know each other very well and when we have him on the pitch it’s different not just for me but for everyone as we have more confidence to play. One player like Lucas makes a difference and he showed it again tonight and we are very happy with him.”
Enjoy every angle of Emerson's goal in the video player below!
Jarrod was unstoppable, wasn’t he?
“I’m happy for Jarrod for getting his first hat-trick and very happy to score a goal in front of our fans. Jarrod is a top player, a special player and he deserves a lot, including this hat-trick.”
We have got our first win of 2024 and are back up to eighth in the Premier League table, but we don’t want to stop here, do we?
“We know our quality, and of course the last month has not been easy for us, but we always worked hard and tried to win the games and we needed that tonight. We have to dream of course [of qualifying for European football again] but the Premier League is tough. We know our quality and we need to try to win every game.”
