Football has a funny way of scripting big moments in players’ careers and that was certainly the case for Emerson as West Ham United drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
After João Felix put the Blues ahead at London Stadium, the Italy international was on hand at the back post to poke home after a cross from Vladimír Coufal had been flicked on by Jarrod Bowen.
Some goals mean more, through, and Emerson's first-ever in the Premier League, for both his current and former employers from Stamford Bridge, left him smiling when he spoke to BT Sport at full-time.
“I can’t explain the sensation, but it is so, so good to score against them,” the wing-back stated. “There were a lot of emotions before the game. I can’t explain how it feels! I have a lot of respect for them but today I think it is my day.”
The Italy international played 71 times for Saturday’s opponents and might have seen his goal play a role in a win too.
After Emerson's equaliser, his second goal in Claret and Blue after netting his first against FCSB in the UEFA Europa Conference League in September last year, the Irons pushed hard in the second-half and almost had a winner to celebrate.
With eight minutes left in east London, Tomáš Souček looked to have snatched all three points, although his late winner was ruled out after an offside call by VAR on skipper Declan Rice, who had stolen half-a-yard before his initial header was pushed into the Czech's path by Kepa Arrizabalaga.
A point against Chelsea means that the Hammers have lost just one game since the turn of the New Year. In their last three Premier League matches, the Irons have taken five points and head into a London derby next Sunday, against Tottenham Hotspur, in improving form and frame of mind.
“It was a tough game,” the No33 explained, after seeing his close friend Paquetá and Nayef Aguerd both forced off with injuries. “They (Chelsea) played very well and we suffered a lot but it is an important point against a big team.
“When you play against a big team with a lot of quality you have to stay with high concentration for 90 minutes. We feel it is an important point for us.
“The first half of the season we dropped a lot of points, but now we have started to play well, which is good because when you play well wins come naturally. We need to stay focused and work hard and continue this in the next game.”
