Soucek: That goal was for you, Michail

Midfielder Tomas Soucek dedicated his goal in West Ham United's 2-1 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers to team-mate Michail Antonio on an emotional night at the London Stadium.

In the Hammers' first match since striker Antonio underwent surgery following a serious car accident at the weekend, goals from Soucek and Jarrod Bowen secured the points, the latter coming just two minutes and 17 seconds after Matt Doherty had equalised for Wolves.

Prior to kick off West Ham players warmed up in special shirts bearing the name of team-mate Antonio, while fans in the stadium rose as one on the ninth minute to sing their No 9's name in a show of support.

On the field, the Hammers played their part with a battling display to earn a first win in three matches to give them a nine-point cushion clear of the relegation zone and ease the pressure on head coach Julen Lopetegui.

"The goal was for him. I dedicated it to him," Soucek told Sky Sports. "I said before the game I really wanted to score even more today. He's been here since I came here. He is really my favourite. I said it would be tough for me to play without him.

"I am happy that he is doing fine, but this is for him. He is a massive player and he is in my heart. It was really tough for us. I was with the kids and I saw this information on the phone. I messaged everyone asking what happened and how he was. I was so scared what was going to happen. It was a really tough week for him, his family and us."

Antonio's video call to team-mates

Soucek revealed that the players had a video call with Antonio before the game, wishing his team-mates the best for their match against Wolves.

"We had a video call with him, the whole team, before the game," he added. "He smiled to us and gave us all the best. I can't wait to visit him. He is a really lovely guy and also funny. He even made a few jokes before the game and he wished us all the best.

"He is West Ham's all-time leading scorer. He is probably one of the best players West Ham have had. He will be soon with us. These things can happen, but hopefully he will be even better soon."

Speaking about his goal celebration, when he held a shirt aloft with Antonio's name on it, match-winner Bowen added, "To share that moment, he's not here with us but I’m sure he [Michail Antonio] was watching and the fans, you heard them. An emotional couple of days."

Now Bowen hopes that West Ham can build some momentum, continuing at AFC Bournemouth next Monday.

"It should give everyone a lift," he added. "This is an opportunity now, December is probably the busiest time in our schedule all season. A lot of games are coming up and it's the start of a run we can put together. We go to Bournemouth next week which will be a tough game but this could really start us."