It is fast becoming a familiar feeling for Tomáš Souček – and a welcome one too.
For the fifth game in succession for club and country the Czech midfielder hit the back of the net as West Ham United ground out a 1-0 victory at FK TSC Bačka Topola.
And for the third West Ham fixture in a row, it was a last-gasp Souček strike that took his side to three points.
On this occasion the victory keeps them top of UEFA Europa League Group A ahead of the final game, a home meeting with second-placed SC Freiburg, and Souček was delighted to take a step closer towards their goal.
“It was a big goal because today was really difficult for us in every context,” he admitted. “Especially before half-time we didn’t play well enough, or quick enough. Even in the second half we didn’t create that many chances.
“We wanted to win, we want to be first in the group and in the end Maxi delivered a great ball and I’m happy I can help the team with the goal.
“I’m enjoying life, because it’s perfect. It’s not like the goals have been for four or five-nil. They’ve been very important goals, many of them, and they’ve helped us get points. It’s very important for me, for the team, and I’m just happy I can help the team.
“First we wanted to go through from the group, and second we want to win the group, so we can go straight to the round of 16.
“Now it’s in two weeks another game – we want to win that as well, but it’s good that a point would be enough and I hope that as we want we finish first.”
Souček’s goal in Serbia followed a similar path as his strike at Burnley at the weekend. At Turf Moor it was Mohammed Kudus who laid the ball on a plate for him, while in Bačka Topola it was Maxwel Cornet.
The No28 hailed the quality of their deliveries, leaving him with the task of converting from close range.
“It was a very similar goal to Burnley, I just used a different part of my right foot!” he explained.
“It was a perfect ball, a very similar delivery from Maxi to Mo’s on Saturday and I just knew that the ball would come there and I was ready to hit the net.
“I just want to be ready for every ball, if someone touches it, or if someone misses it I want to be there. I don’t want to stay in one spot, I want to move in the box, get ready and hope the ball comes to me.
“It did, sometimes it’s luck, sometimes it’s my experience, but I have to be ready to hit the net and I’m happy for that.”
Souček also had praise for the 320 Hammers fans fortunate enough to have tickets to follow their team to the 4,500-capacity TSC Arena.
He said their backing helped drive them on to the final result and he was thrilled to repay them with the goal.
“I was happy for the fans because it was very far for them to come,” he added. “I am glad that they came and after the game I went to them to thank them, and they sung my song as well!
“I am happy for them and I have to give respect for the opponents too. I wish them good luck for the next one.”
