Andy Carroll reflects on his match winning goal against Southampton
Andy Carroll was thrilled to play his part as West Ham United produced a stunning turnaround to defeat Southampton 2-1 on Monday evening.
Carroll was a half-time substitute and scored the winner with eleven minutes to go, following in to head home after Michail Antonio struck the crossbar.
The big No9 was delighted with the goal and can see a bright 2016 ahead.
Andy, what a turnaround that was in the second half - and what an impact you had...
AC: "It felt like a different game watching and then coming on. We're just happy we got the win in the end really."
What did the manager say at half time to get the team going?
AC: "To be honest I was out warming up as I knew I was coming on, I don't know what he said, but whatever was said it shook the lads up and we came out in the second half a lot better."
Chances were much more forthcoming after half time. Maybe there was a little bit of luck with the equaliser but was that what we needed in the situation?
AC: "We did need a bit of luck and it's been a lot of games where we've not had that luck. We had it for the equaliser and obviously Michail's done great for the end one to assist for me.
For yourself it was a case of doing what all good strikers do and follow in the chances when they come...
AC: "I took one off Tonks' toe early on when I came on, and I knew when I missed that I had to make up for it. Michail hit the bar and I just had to follow it up.
Carroll was a half-time substitute and scored the winner with eleven minutes to go, following in to head home after Michail Antonio struck the crossbar.
The big No9 was delighted with the goal and can see a bright 2016 ahead.
Andy, what a turnaround that was in the second half - and what an impact you had...
AC: "It felt like a different game watching and then coming on. We're just happy we got the win in the end really."
What did the manager say at half time to get the team going?
AC: "To be honest I was out warming up as I knew I was coming on, I don't know what he said, but whatever was said it shook the lads up and we came out in the second half a lot better."
Chances were much more forthcoming after half time. Maybe there was a little bit of luck with the equaliser but was that what we needed in the situation?
AC: "We did need a bit of luck and it's been a lot of games where we've not had that luck. We had it for the equaliser and obviously Michail's done great for the end one to assist for me.
For yourself it was a case of doing what all good strikers do and follow in the chances when they come...
AC: "I took one off Tonks' toe early on when I came on, and I knew when I missed that I had to make up for it. Michail hit the bar and I just had to follow it up.
Your two goals this season have been crucial ones - both winners...
AC: "Yes. Two goals that have won important games and this was one of those important games."
Just coming back from a little injury, it must be nice to have that impact on your first game back?
AC: "I had a little niggle in my groin, which I didn't want, especially over Christmas as I wanted to play the games. I've been working in the gym and coming on against Southampton it was great to get the winner."
From the team's point of view, people were talking about not winning in eight, but now we can say we're six unbeaten...
AC: "We've been playing good football, it's just been very unlucky. We had a bit of luck on our side on Monday and got the win."
With the likes of yourself and Lanzini coming back on Monday, and more to come, is there plenty of reason to be optimistic going into the New Year?
AC: "Yes, we've got most of our players coming back fit now which is great. The lads who have come in, like Michail, have shown their quality and that they should be in the squad. It's a great squad to be involved in when everyone's fighting for places."
AC: "Yes. Two goals that have won important games and this was one of those important games."
Just coming back from a little injury, it must be nice to have that impact on your first game back?
AC: "I had a little niggle in my groin, which I didn't want, especially over Christmas as I wanted to play the games. I've been working in the gym and coming on against Southampton it was great to get the winner."
From the team's point of view, people were talking about not winning in eight, but now we can say we're six unbeaten...
AC: "We've been playing good football, it's just been very unlucky. We had a bit of luck on our side on Monday and got the win."
With the likes of yourself and Lanzini coming back on Monday, and more to come, is there plenty of reason to be optimistic going into the New Year?
AC: "Yes, we've got most of our players coming back fit now which is great. The lads who have come in, like Michail, have shown their quality and that they should be in the squad. It's a great squad to be involved in when everyone's fighting for places."