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If anything summed up West Ham United’s ferocious, free-scoring second-half performance against Wolves last week, it was Taty Castellanos’ first of a London Stadium brace.
The returning Crysencio Summerville nipped in ahead of Mateus Mane to reclaim possession just inside his own half. A mere eight seconds later, the ball was in the back of the Wolverhampton Wanderers net.
Castellanos entered the Premier League history books that night. Only Sadio Mane and Gabriel Martinelli have scored quicker braces in recorded history.
Taty on a Premier League podium! 🥉 🇦🇷
Is he justifying his £27m price-tag now?
Speaking as West Ham United look to build on that confidence-boosting victory away to London rivals Crystal Palace on Monday, Taty Castellanos admitted that pressing high and forcing turnovers – as he and Summerville did vs Rob Edwards’ doomed outfit – was something Nuno Espirito Santo and co had placed extra importance on at Rush Green.
Taty Castellanos benefits from Nuno tactics at West Ham United
“Obviously, every match is important. I think you should never underestimate your opponent; you should always treat them with the utmost respect [despite Wolves’ position at the bottom],” Castellanos tells the club’s official website.
Photo by Rob Newell – CameraSport via Getty Images
“I think these are the toughest matches, playing against the teams in and around you, more so than against the league leaders. I believe you have to approach these matches differently, especially mentally.
“I think we prepared very well. The team was in great shape, and I think the coaching staff did a brilliant job. With the analysts and everyone else, I think we worked very well throughout the week. We had to do that crucial work, which was mainly about pressing.
“That pressing led to the goals. And well, that was reflected in the result too.”
How many points are we getting then? 😬
Feel free to tell me where I’m going wrong 😂
Crystal Palace trip the first of ‘six finals’ for the Hammers
Nuno is demanding that Castellanos and West Ham kick on again.
Throw away all that good work at Selhurst Park, and the Hammers could end the weekend in the familiar surroundings of the drop zone, provided Tottenham end their staggering 14-match winless run against Brighton and Hove Albion some 48 hours earlier.
“You always feel different after getting a positive result,” Castellanos adds.
“There are now six finals left that are very important for us. So, we just have to give it our all. We’re on a good streak at the moment, and we need to keep that mindset to stay on top.”
“It’s a tough match, just like any other. They’re a strong side at home too, but we’re feeling confident.
“We’ve got a squad where everyone’s fit, and that’s important. Confidence is key. We need to stick together and stay united right now.”
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