James Ward-Prowse was delighted to end his first season at London Stadium with three points following a 3-1 win over Luton Town on Saturday.
Ward-Prowse notched the Irons’ first of a superb comeback in the second half, as his sweet strike was followed by a volley from Tomáš Souček and a first senior goal for George Earthy to secure the points after Albert Sambi Lokonga's early opener.
Taking his tally in his first campaign in Claret and Blue to seven goals and seven assists, ahead of next week's trip to Manchester City, the No7 was happy to celebrate with his family in the east London sun come the final whistle.
“It’s a special moment being out on the pitch with your family,” Ward-Prowse said at full-time.
“We are footballers, but we are also human beings. We’re family people, we’re brothers, we’re dads, we’re uncles, so it is a special moment to spend with special people.
"You want to finish on a special note, for sure. The first half was difficult for us, but we came out in the second half and showed what we were about!”
Ward-Prowse certainly did just that as he drove his teammates forward after a tame first-half performance.
His finish – a sweeping effort from inside the area – started the Irons' turnaround just before the hour, with the 29-year-old pleased to play his part in ensuring a fitting send-off for David Moyes at London Stadium.
“I enjoyed that goal because I have not had many fall to me like that, but luckily it came back to me, and I put it away,” Ward-Prowse said.
“I’m happy with seven goals and seven assists in the Premier League this season. I always try and reach ten – that’s always my target as a midfielder - so maybe a hat-trick against City next week!"
Walking around the pitch, Ward-Prowse also took the time to reflect on Earthy’s first senior goal for West Ham.
He added: “I think George deserves it because he has shown his quality in training, and he has not been given this opportunity, he has had to work hard for it.
“He was disappointed with getting a concussion and has been out for a couple of weeks, but it is a good way for him to finish it off.”
