Saïd Benrahma was happy that his perseverance paid off with a goal on his return to West Ham United’s Premier League starting XI in Monday’s 2-0 win over AFC Bournemouth.
The Algeria international was a constant threat to the Cherries at London Stadium, unleashing no fewer than eight shots on the Bournemouth goal – as many as any Premier League player tried in a game all weekend.
The first seven failed to find the net, but the No22’s determination to score was rewarded in added time, when he unerringly converted from the penalty spot after Jordan Zemura was penalised for handling Vladimír Coufal’s cross.
Speaking to West Ham TV, Benrahma was happy to be back in the team and back on the scoresheet, and is now eager to meet manager David Moyes’ demand for him to produce the goods in front of goal on a consistent basis.
Saïd, congratulations on your performance, your goal and a win?
“It was a great night! Back in the starting eleven. It was good. I’ve been waiting for this, I’ve worked hard to get back into the starting lineup and it paid off tonight. I played the full 90 minutes, got on the scoresheet, my legs felt good; it’s really great for my confidence. I’m happy because it’s not easy… Tonight, I had to find my confidence, but I worked hard and was able to respond on the pitch.”
You had eight shots on goal and had to wait until the eighth one to score, but you kept at it and your hard work paid off?
“That’s it! My legs were feeling good, I felt good on the pitch, and that gives me the confidence to work even harder in training. It all paid off tonight. Even if I was a bit wasteful at times, I’m happy, I felt healthy and I’m getting my sensations back.”
You’re always a danger to the opposition...
“I always try to give it my all. I’ve got a good relationship with the coaches; they know how to boost my confidence; they know what I’m capable of. Bit by bit I’m feeling better and getting my sensations back.”
Ben Johnson says you’re a player that needs rhythm…
“That’s it! I try to do my best with my time on the pitch, to give the best performance I can, to try and be in the starting XI as much as possible. Every minute counts for me. I always try to give my all every minute I play, every time I come on as a sub… I hope to be part of the starting XI because it feels great to play!”
Were you happy for your good friend Kurt Zouma getting on the scoresheet too?
“Kurt is my brother. He’s a guy who, every day, pushes me. He scored tonight so I’m extremely pleased for him. He’s my brother, he’s someone I love very much. He really is my brother! He encourages me, he gives me strength. He’s always telling me what I’m capable of. I’ve thanked him many times for his daily support, so Kurt is a brother who gives me a lot of love. He encourages me just by talking, he boosts my morale. I’ve gone through some difficult moments but thankfully he’s always been there.”
Your form has been good and we’re winning, so what are your hopes for the next weeks?
“Of course, I hope we keep winning because we started pretty badly, although we’ve played well at times. We have to keep taking it game by game, we have great players…”
