Carlos Soler was full of smiles after playing a key role in West Ham United’s thrilling 2-0 win away at Newcastle United in the Premier League.
The Spain international was drafted into the XI as boss Julen Lopetegui’s only change from the goalless draw against Everton prior to the most recent international break, for only his second league start in Claret and Blue.
Featuring alongside Tomáš Souček and Lucas Paquetá in midfield, Soler was heavily involved throughout as the former nodded the Irons in front after only ten minutes, before Aaron Wan-Bissaka notched his first goal for the Club in the second half to seal the three points.
After helping secure a huge win under the St James’ Park lights, that lifts West Ham to within four points of the top six, Soler expressed his delight at what he described as a brilliant team performance.
“I loved it out there, and I love playing,” the 27-year-old said. “I always want to play, but I know it’s the Head Coach who decides the line-up, but I was really pleased to be out there from the start today and in contact with the ball.
“We had a lot of the possession, and created lots of good chances, and we played really well. I think we just all enjoyed playing together as a team, and we deserved to come away with the right result in the end.
“We are a very good team, with good players, and we showed that tonight. We haven’t been in the position that we want to be in the table, but we’ve shown what we can do, and hopefully this can be the start of a really successful season.”
Having been part of the Paris Saint-Germain squad that fell to a 4-1 defeat at Newcastle in the UEFA Champions League last season, Soler knew the task at hand for the Hammers on Tyneside, and he was delighted with how they were able to thrive in a tough environment.
And he was particularly pleased for the 3,200 or so travelling supporters who had made the long journey to the North-East on a Monday night, who celebrated wildly when referee Craig Pawson blew his full-time whistle.
Soler added: “I came here with PSG last season, so I knew what it was going to be like. I didn’t play but it was a really tough atmosphere and we lost heavily, so to come here and win like we did tonight is really good.
“It’s amazing to be able to give the supporters a night like tonight. They follow us everywhere and we all really appreciate it.”
