Toni Martinez was the headline act on an afternoon filled with star quality as West Ham United under-23s ran out 4-2 winners over Manchester United at London Stadium on Sunday.
Martinez struck three times, with Joe Powell adding the fourth, as the Hammers looked the comfortably superior outfit on a glorious afternoon in East London. Despite falling behind inside two minutes Terry Westley’s side responded well, controlled possession and the likes of Nathan Holland, Dan Kemp and Martinez were a constant threat.
“I feel delighted today” Martinez rejoiced.
“I am really happy to get my first hat-trick this season. I just try to do my work. I always think that the best work I can do is to help my boys, to score goals and today was that day.”
Martinez becomes the first West Ham United player to score a hat-trick at London Stadium, but rather than enjoying the celebrations of his individual achievement, he was quick to heap praise on the rest of his West Ham teammates.
“I think the most important thing today was the teamwork and the performance, I’m very proud for everyone.
“Every week those boys play incredible games and today everybody was perfect, everything we did was very good and I’m very proud.”
The Spaniard saved his best performance of the season for the biggest game of the season so far but gave a special mention for the 1,843-strong crowd who watched the game at London Stadium.
“The fans were incredible today, it’s good to see so many people in the stands and it’s very nice for us! It helps the team and I’m happy we could win for them.”
He has now scored eight goals in ten matches for West Ham United this season, so can he continue his fine start?
His answer was simple: “I hope so!”.