Images show Tomas Soucek selflessly saving a Crystal Palace ball boy as a hoarding collapsed during wild West Ham celebrations.
West Ham star Tomas Soucek was the hero yet again but this time in more ways than one.
The Hammers rode their luck as they took on London rivals Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Palace hit the bar and the post and missed two one-on-ones as West Ham came away with a 2-0 win.
It was lift off for Julen Lopetegui’s tenure as West Ham boss after the opening day defeat to Villa.
But there was a more important lift off of a completely different kind in this clash between West Ham and Crystal Palace.
With West Ham changing manager and signing eight players, many tipped Soucek to be one of the Hammers stars to lose his starting spot.
Hammers star the hero in more ways than one
Lopetegui has started the big Czech in both matches so far, though.
And thank goodness he did – not just for West Ham’s sake either.
Soucek rewarded Lopetegui’s faith against Crystal Palace by opening the scoring in typical Soucek style, arriving in the box right on time to slam the ball home.
It was what happened after that second half strike which was arguably the much-loved midfielder’s most important contribution, though.
Soucek saved a Crystal Palace ball boy after a collapse during wild West Ham celebrations.
As Soucek wheeled – or should that be twirled – away in celebration of his goal, the West Ham fans went berserk.
Soucek saves Palace ball boy after collapse during celebrations
The Hammers faithful rushed to celebrate with the players as the likes of Lucas Paqueta crowd-surfed.
It was brilliant to see but in the process the electronic advertising hoarding collapsed onto a young Crystal Palace ball boy.
West Ham fans had also fallen on top of the heavy hoarding, adding to the weight bearing down on the young ball boy’s arched back.
Enter hero Soucek. Instantly setting his delight to one side, Soucek spotted the stricken child.
He may sound like Arnold Schwarzenegger, but Soucek acted like him too, showing superhuman strength to lift the hoarding off the youngster.
The ball boy was escorted away by medics to be checked over, but was walking and – although wincing – seemed to be ok.
Soucek was the Terminator for Palace with his goal but turned Kindergarten Cop and Conan the Barbarian to save the day moments later.
Jarrod Bowen went on to add a second for West Ham.
But it was Soucek’s contribution that was the most telling.
What a man, what a hero – for West Ham and Palace in this case.
Soucek was a key player all game despite many fans calling for Lopetegui to ditch the old guard and transition to his new signings.
He continues to prove his worth for the Hammers.
Now he’ll be something of a hero at Palace too.
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