Antonio and Bowen say hello as West Ham ace makes history vs Southampton

West Ham United's Tomas Soucek applauds the fans - Swansea City v West Ham United - Sky Bet Championship 2026/27 — Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images

If only every West Ham United player proved to be as lethal as Tomas Soucek during a 3-2 home defeat by Southampton on Saturday.

The Hammers somehow contrived to lose to the Saints despite mustering the greatest number of shots – 29 – in a single Championship match this season.

A tally of 12 shots on target also set a new 2026/27 record. As did, perhaps most tellingly of all, Daniel Peretz’s number of saves; into double-figures, in the end.

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A lay-off from the otherwise dreadful Taty, and a precise, emphatic finish drilled first-time into the corner. It wasn’t a trademark Soucek header, but a reminder of the talent he possesses on the floor as well.

Soucek is also only the sixth player in the 21st Century to hit a half-century of West Ham goals. He joins Michail Antonio [83], Carlton Cole [68], Mark Noble [62], Marlon Harewood [56] and, of course, Jarrod Bowen on 93.

The achievement will undoubtedly slip under the radar as West Ham slip to third, and waste the chance to take full advantage of Swansea City’s 5-0 drubbing by QPR. But Soucek’s longevity, consistency, and dead-eyed ruthlessness should never be taken for granted.