Andy Carroll says years of practising finally paid off as he netted the best goal of his career to help the Hammers produce a superb all-round team performance with an emphatic 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Carroll executed the perfect scissor kick from Michail Antonio's cross as the ball flew past Crystal Palace keeper Wayne Hennessey into the roof of the net.
The Hammers forward reveals he attempted a similar effort in training in the build-up to the game but his effort struck the post.
But he was determined to go one better and it paid off as he celebrated a memorable strike and played his part in memorable display for the Hammers in their biggest Premier League victory at London Stadium.
Carroll said: “I had done one of those in training last week and it hit the post so I have been practising.
“The cross came in and I wanted to try it again and thankfully it has gone into the back of the net so I am over the moon. I think it has to be one of the best of my career.
“Michail has had three assists which is fantastic and put in the perfect ball for me. I just went for it and it went in.
“I have been practising for a while – actually for a few years, so thankfully it has come off!”
Carroll has nothing but praise for the way his team-mates came together at a crucial time to record their first victory in 2017.
Carroll added: “I think 100 per cent we have answered a few of the critics. With everything that has been going in during the week and everyone talking, I have received a lot of calls and messages and it has been the same for the other players.
“It has been tough, especially as lads are close to one another. To put all that behind us and work as a team has been fantastic.
“The fans were like our 12th man today and were great all the way through the game with their support. It was a great day all-round. We all believe in the manager and he has been fantastic.
“All the lads in the dressing room were fantastic and professional. They know what it means to the fans and the Club.
“We stuck together and everyone is hungry and dedicated. It showed in the performance today.”