Divin Mubama wants to be completely honest. West Ham United’s first goal at Burnley on Saturday should not be given to him.
While the 19-year-old made a mature darting run to cause pressure on the Burnley defence, Mohammed Kudus’ teasing cross was actually diverted into the net by home centre-back Dara O’Shea.
It brought back memories of FCSB away last November for the striker, in the final match of the UEFA Europa Conference League group stages. A header back across goal took a vital flick off a defender and went in.
“It’s like I like celebrating own-goals!” Mubama laughed with West Ham TV. “If this was a year ago I’d probably stand here and say I touched it. But no, an own-goal is an own-goal unfortunately.”
Not that Mubama should be completely without credit. It was his movement that led to momentary panic for the Burnley back-line, which in turn levelled a match which West Ham were struggling to find a finish in.
The Academy of Football graduate had been introduced just after the hour mark, with the Irons a goal down courtesy of Jay Rodriguez’s penalty. His efforts in turning the tide were essential.
“It was great to come on today, get more minutes and show the boss what I can do,” he continued. “I want to get on the end of crosses and things like that. This is what I like to, bring energy and put defenders on the back foot. I’ve tried to do that every time I come on. I’ve done that all the way through during my time with the Academy, with my pressing and running.
“I’ll take a little bit of credit for being in the right place, and also thanks to the gaffer for bringing me on, allowing me to come on and show what I can do. With players unavailable come opportunities in football, and you have to step up and take them, and be ready for them.”
The own-goal went in on 86 minutes, silencing the majority of Turf Moor. The travelling Claret and Blue Army had even more to be celebrating just six minutes later, when Tomáš Souček volleyed in expertly from another Kudus cross.
The release of emotion from the Czech midfielder, Mubama and their teammates told the story of a hard-fought win in difficult circumstances.
The striker said: “It was good celebrations! It was my first time being part of a late goal, a winning goal, and it was unreal. It was a top ball from Kudus and a top goal from Souček too. What he’s been doing, scoring these goals, he’s really grabbing his form right now.
“We knew it was going to be a tough game. We weren’t coming into the game underestimating them. They might be down the bottom of the league but those games can be the hardest and they’re the games you’ve got to win. I’m glad we did that today. We’ve got a strong squad.”
Mubama’s fourth appearance of the season for the Hammers' senior side was his first in the Premier League of the campaign, and certainly his most comprehensive. Having impressed with a substitute showing, the youngster hopes to continue to prove he is deserving of opportunities.
West Ham fans are already endeared to the attacker, who helped the Club claim a fourth FA Youth Cup last season and has looked bright when called upon by David Moyes.
The supporters chanted Mubama’s name throughout the second half; an honour he will always be grateful for, and one he is eager to experience even more.
“The fans are definitely a massive help,” he added. “I can hear them on the pitch and I can hear them on the side when I’m warming up. It gives me a massive confidence boost for sure.
“I’m definitely eyeing more minutes. I always buzzing for minutes and being ready because, when I get an opportunity, I want to deliver. I’m looking forward to Thursday.”
