WEST HAM'S Tomas Soucek was buzzing on Saturday night - with a mixture of joy and relief.
Not only had his close-range, second-half strike at Brentford (above) salvaged a vital point for the struggling Hammers, it had also been warmly received by the travelling faithful.
There was even a burst of the chant dedicated to the giant Czech as he wheeled away to celebrate.
All of which was music to the ears of Soucek following claims in his homeland that he is no longer a fans' favourite.
The unassuming Irons midfielder, who has a habit of coming up with crucial interventions for the club, said: "It always feels great to score these goals when they're important.
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
GAME OF THRONES
Slot gives Pep a hefty kick in crown duel
Gun shot to bits as Kop stars shine
MANCHESTER CITY did not pay a penny to bring back Ilkay Gundogan from Barcelona.
YOU ZIRKZEE THING
Amorim must be a genius... he's even got goal-shy Joshua firing!
PISTOL BLASTS RIVAL
MARK ALLEN bit back at Shaun Murphy as their war of words escalated at the UK Championship.
Yafai on a high as he eyes Japan
GALAL YAFAI would happily head back to Japan to win a world title in the country where he claimed Olympic gold.
BANG ON CARSE
Brydon groomed for the top says captain Ben
QATARSTROPHE
Lewis blows it as he predicts flat finish
ROBINS SOAR IN 'WARM' WINTER
RED robin numbers are rocketing across Britain.
COLE OF THE SEASON
Footie star dog moniker trend
SCHU AIDE £12M BLACKMAIL PLOT'
Bodyguard 'dark web threat' to F1 race icon family