West Ham United winger Felipe Anderson was thrilled to be back amongst the goals in the New Year's Day resounding 4-0 victory over Bournemouth.
The Brazilian fired in his first Premier League finish of the season on Wednesday – and West Ham’s fourth of the evening – in the 66th minute, latching onto a pinpoint Declan Rice pass and finishing with aplomb.
The victory in David Moyes first game back in charge was richly deserved for the Hammers; a free flowing first half of attacking football saw them head into the break with a three-goal cushion.
Anderson was at the forefront of West Ham’s forward endeavours throughout, producing his best display of the season thus far, rounded off by his composed strike.
I always say that when things go well from the beginning it’s easier to be more confident, so in that sense I can say that it was a perfect day.
Felipe Anderson
“I’m very happy to start the year with a victory in front of our fans,” he said. “From the first minute, we managed to control the game and we kept that control until the final whistle.
“I always say that when things go well from the beginning it’s easier to be more confident, so in that sense I can say that it was a perfect day.”
The 26-year-old stressed the importance of having a positive reaction under new manager Moyes, who took charge of the team for the first time since returning to the Irons on Monday.
“We didn’t expect to be near the bottom of the table, but we have started to react and today we showed our character, our strength and the quality of our group so we are very satisfied by our performance.”
Despite having to wait until January 1 2020 to find the net this season, Anderson’s confidence hasn’t suffered.
“I knew that if I kept on working for the group I would start to score goals, give assists and make important dribbles, so today was special because I scored my first goal of the season and I expect to score many more before it ends.”
The Hammers were backed by 59,917 supporters on Wednesday and the Brazilian thanked the fans for sticking by the team through a difficult festive period.
“With my teammates we always said that the good games, the good performances would eventually arrive so we are also very happy with the support of our fans, especially because even if we are not where we want to be in the league, they come to the stadium and get behind us, it was amazing to feel their support today!
“We can play better, we can do more, and today was proof that we have the quality and the character to play like this every game.”
