West Ham sealed a fine 1-0 win over Wolves on Sunday afternoon with Tomas Soucek back on the scoresheet for the first time this year.
Soucek scored 10 league goals last season but the strike against Wolves was just his fourth of the current campaign, with David Moyes admitting the Czech has not been at his best of late.
Moyes made a tactical switch against Wolves as he reverted to three centre-backs and this allowed Soucek to push forward and get into the box more regularly.
The midfielder duly obliged and some good movement in the penalty area, combined with poor Wolves defending, saw Soucek poke home Michail Antonio's cross.
The midfielder was celebrating his 27th birthday on Sunday and could not have wished for a better day, one that was made all the more special as it was the first time his grandfather has been able to attend a West Ham match.
"This goal is not only for me but this was for my Grandpa as he is 80 in one week and he supported me when I was a young guy, so this goal is for him," Soucek told the BBC.
The midfielder revealed it was his grandfather's first visit to the London Stadium. "He wanted to come here before but couldn’t because of Covid, but finally he was here, so I was happy to give him that gift," added Soucek.
Moyes was thrilled to have Soucek back on the scoresheet after a difficult season for the goalscorer.
"We’re really happy for Tomas Soucek. He’s not playing his best, he knows that, and we’re doing everything to get him back," the manager said.
"I think for Tom, arriving in the box more often, like he did today, will be a big help. Thankfully he got in the right spot today and got us a goal.
"He has four now, so I am not putting 10 beyond him. He got 10 last year and had a great season so I am hoping that gives him confidence, I thought he played better today, his whole performance was better as well.
"It is the performances I am after, I am looking for improvements and I thought today was a much improved performance."
