David Moyes praises Tomas Soucek’s winning performance as West Ham edge Wolves

David Moyes was full of praise for Tomas Soucek’s performance after the match winner’s strike proved enough as West Ham boosted their push for a Champions League spot following a 1-0 Premier League victory over Wolves.

The Hammers boss had said before the game that he would like more goals from Michail Antonio and Soucek before the pair linked up for the hosts’ only goal of the game.

Antonio heeded his manager’s words, playing in Soucek in front of goal, which was then tapped home by the Czech Republic international to give West Ham the lead and ultimately, the three points.

Soucek scored 10 goals last season for the Hammers but before Sunday had only found the net three times in this campaign, but his manager was not ruling out the midfielder equalling his previous tally.

“He’s got four now, so I’m not putting 10 beyond him. He got 10 last year and he had a great season so I’m hoping that gives him the confidence,” Moyes said.

“I thought he played better today. I thought his whole performance as well as the goal – and it’s the performances I’m after, I’m looking for improved performances and I thought today’s – was a much-improved performance.

“I thought we were good on the ball, created some much-improved stuff. I thought we created more chances than we have in other games, so I thought there was lots of good things about today’s performance.”

Prior to the match there was a strong show of support for Andriy Yarmolenko and Ukraine, with Declan Rice leading the teams out carrying a number seven shirt in support of his team-mate.

“I think Premier League football is looked to throughout the world. Wherever you are in the world, the Premier League football is watched, whatever continent you’re on,” the West Ham manager