West Ham news: ‘Tears in the eyes’ after dressing room reveal – pundit
Alan Hutton has insisted the West Ham dressing room will be “galvanised” by the emotional scenes following Andriy Yarmolenko’s goal against Aston Villa.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Villa defender insisted the 32-year-old’s strike could boost the Hammer’s hopes for a top-four finish.
Yarmolenko came off the bench for his first league appearance since January to score the opener in Sunday’s 2-1 win.
The Ukraine international had been on compassionate leave following Russia’s invasion of his home country.
Speaking to talkSPORT on Monday (14 March), assistant manager Stuart Pearce revealed the squad gave Yarmolenko a “standing ovation” in the dressing room after the match on what was a “really emotional day”.
With the Irons chasing a top-four finish, Hutton insisted the poignant moment could be a major shot in the arm for the squad.
Hutton told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “I thought it was a great moment for him to score. Obviously, he comes on, he scores the goal, the West Ham fans are happy, even the Villa fans.
“The whole situation he showed his class. I mean, the touch and finish were just sublime. He took it that early there was no chance. It was just a great moment in time.
“Then on the radio, you hear Stuart Pearce talking about what the atmosphere was like in the changing room after. It was all a big round of applause for him, very emotional, tears in the eyes.
“I think that can bring everybody together. They’re definitely pushing for those top places in Europe again. It definitely galvanises a team, 100 per cent.”
Yarmolenko has scored twice in 22 appearances for the Hammers this season.
The Irons’ next face Sevilla in their Europa League tie on Thursday.
In other news, pundit backs West Ham to seal “massive” out-of-window signing.