West Ham defeated Brentford in the FA Cup fifth round on Monday, setting up a quarter-final against Leeds United.
The game was all about penalties: both teams scored one in normal time and Brentford could have been awarded another.
With nothing between the two sides after extra time (2-2), the result was decided by a penalty shootout.
Tomas Soucek has now explained how the Hammers prepared for all eventualities in training before facing the Bees.
Tomas Soucek; Premier League record-breaker!
What is your FAVOURITE Soucek moment?
West Ham’s penalty practice pays off against Brentford
Tomas Soucek has revealed that West Ham practised penalties in training before the FA Cup fifth round.
This turned out to be a sensible decision, as the Hammers scored all six penalties they took during the contest.
“We practised penalties yesterday (Sunday),” Soucek told whufc.com. “We were good at it, and we showed it today because they were unbelievable penalties.”
The midfielder was right to call them “unbelievable,” as some football fans admitted online that they had never seen a better shootout performance.
We win it on pens 😎 Do you fancy us to beat Leeds and book a trip to Wembley?!
Soucek also praised goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, who saved Dango Ouattara’s spot-kick by staying in the middle of the goal.
“Shootouts are always difficult for goalkeepers, so it was nice that Alphonse saved one as well, and we’re all delighted to have got through,” Soucek added.
Apart from Crysencio Summerville’s unfortunate calf injury, it was an excellent night for the Hammers at the London Stadium.
Receive a digest of our best West Ham content each week direct to your mailbox
