- Nathan Holland scored the first-ever Premier League 2 goal in London Stadium history on Monday
- Attacking midfielder opened the scoring in a 2-0 victory over Fulham
- Teenager joined the Hammers from Everton in January transfer window
Nathan Holland described the feeling of scoring the first-ever Premier League 2 goal at London Stadium as 'amazing'.
The young attacking midfielder got the first goal of the evening as Terry Westley’s West Ham United ran out 2-0 winners over Fulham on Monday evening.
Holland’s 20th-minute goal was a superb right-footed strike from 25 yards which curled past the Fulham goalkeeper Jesse Joronen and into the bottom corner, delighting the recent signing from Everton.
“It feels amazing” said the 18-year-old. "I had a few chances before then, but to see that one hit the back of the net, I was really made up!
"It was quite surreal walking out there. We were all just really excited, I didn't get too nervous. To get out there, warming up and then walking out the tunnel was amazing and I am also happy with the way I have played.
"I've got a feel for it now. I just want more and more and hopefully we can get back here again. The pitch was amazing to play on, the Stadium was incredible and everything was just brilliant."
Following his move from Everton in the January transfer window, Holland has now scored three goals in his last three games for the Hammers and his hoping that his purple patch can continue for a while longer:
I’m getting on the pitch, playing well and working hard. Thankfully it’s paying off and hopefully I can keep it up!
Nathan Holland
The win ensures West Ham remain in strong contention to secure a promotion play-off place come the end of the season and with Fulham another side chasing the same target, Monday night’s result was especially important:
“We’re made up” said Holland, who was compared to a young Ryan Giggs after the game by Academy Director Westley. “Terry said to us before the game it’s a very special occasion, we need to go out there and show everyone what we can do and I think we did that.
"The lads are buzzing and the confidence is flying.”
The victory over Fulham is one of three scheduled home fixtures at London Stadium for the PL2 side, and they will return to Stratford on Wednesday 8 March, when they host Stoke City.
Holland is confident that West Ham can use tonight to propel them towards more positive results on Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in the future.
"It’s a great experience [playing at London Stadium]” he explained. “It’s a wonderful pitch and we’re all delighted that we can play on it, so hopefully the results will follow, we can keep playing like that and when we get back on it, hopefully we can go again!”