Goals & Grit: Instrumental Carroll & Obiang On Saints Win

West Ham will return to London Stadium this Saturday ninth in the Premier League table, after a marauding trip to St Mary’s saw the Hammers roll out 3-1 winners over Southampton.

After going behind, Andy Carroll and Pedro Obiang combined to bring the score level, before the latter put his side in front with his first goal in the Claret & Blue.

“It was a good result for us on Saturday,” said Carroll. 

“We didn’t deserve to go 1-0 down, but when we did I think it changed the game for the better.

“We realised we were in a game, pushed up and got a goal straight away for myself. I was well chuffed with it, we carried on and got another just before half-time.

“It was a perfect ball from Pedro. He just slipped it in, and with a little movement around the back I got the space to finish in the bottom bin with my right foot.

“I’m happy with how it’s going in front of goal for me at the minute. It was probably one of the only chances I had in the game, so it was nice to put it away.

“Pedro’s goal came at a great time too, right before half-time, and it was a great finish. He’s had an assist and a goal – I think all the lads played well – but for him with the assist and goal it’s fantastic.

“We’ve been playing well lately. We’ve bounced back straight away from the Man City game and proved that we’re playing well by getting three points. We’ve got a very good team and we’re always capable of winning games.”

While Carroll’s recent exploits have seen him net four times in as many appearances for the Hammers, including his thunderous overhead kick at London Stadium in his side’s victory over Crystal Palace, Pedro Obiang’s strike against the Saints was his first for the club, after joining in the summer of 2015.

“It feels very, very good to score my first goal for West Ham," he said, speaking after the final whistle. 

“This goal is for my baby because I am now a dad, and I am very happy because many times I have seen the other guys score. I’ve enjoyed that and now I have scored, so I am very happy.

“One time before, the same ball arrived and I tried to cross. When it came to me again I thought ‘it’s your time’. If I score, then ok, and if not, no worries. This time I scored!

“After today we can be calm for this week and try to take another three points on Saturday against West Bromwich.”