Michail Antonio says he was determined not to let recent criticism affect him after scoring a late winner in West Ham's 1-0 victory over Bournemouth this afternoon.
Slaven Bilic's side were missing several key players - including Dimitri Payet - and were not at their best during the club's first Premier League game at the London Stadium.
But Harry Arter's red card proved to be a turning point and the Hammers made their numerical advantage count when Antonio rose highest to nod home Gokhan Tore's teasing cross.
Antonio's effort made him the star of the piece, but he had previously been cast as a villain due to a difficult start to the season, which included a clumsy challenge to concede a penalty against Chelsea last time out.
But the 26-year-old was eager to put such disappointment to one side after scoring the club's historic first goal at their new home.
He told Sky Sports: "It was just one of those things. I didn't want to let it affect me. In football you always get another chance.
"As soon as I saw that ball dinked up to the back post I was like 'pickings for me.'
"I'm always going to try and get on the back stick but [it was an] amazing game, a great feeling.
"It was great to be back on the score sheet and first ever Prem goal here, what can I say?"
Captain Mark Noble had told Antonio to 'go and be a hero' moments before the latter's winner and was delighted to end a tough week with three points.
"The week we've had after Monday night, away to Chelsea and losing late on, and then going all the way to Romania and getting back in the early hours of Friday, to come and win at home is a great feeling.
"We lost Dimi [Payet] in the week for this game and Andy Carroll on Thursday night, as well as the others in pre-season. It's been tough for us with the Europa League as well.
"We aren't just going to get wins given. We've got to earn them and that's what we did. The three points is extra special when it's the first game," he added.
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