West Ham managed to avoid embarrassment by scoring two second-half goals to knock League One Gillingham out of the FA Cup. The scorer of the first was an unlikely source though, and that man was 34-year-old Pablo Zabaleta, and West Ham fans were so pleased to see him score his first goal for the Hammers.
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The right-back signed for West Ham in 2017 after becoming a living legend at Manchester City, and he’s loved by Hammers fans for his passion and commitment to the cause — but definitely not his goalscoring. He only scored 11 goals in 333 appearances for Man City and was clearly delighted to net his first in 74 games for West Ham.
His deflected shot went in on 74 minutes and he ran towards the West Ham fans behind the goal laughing with teammates. The event spread to social media and many Hammers fans couldn’t resist but tweet about how happy they were to see the Argentinian finally get on the scoresheet.
You can see some of the reaction to the goal below:
You’d want no one better than Zabaleta to get that with this being his last season in English football.
Glad to see Moyes can get them up for the 2nd half, Worzel Gummidge never done it once I dont think! #whufc #coyi
— ⚒⚒ Lewis John ⚒⚒ (@ClaretBluBlood) 5 January 2020
I love Zabaleta. Man of the Match today despite being on the pitch for only half the match. 2 more years.. 🎶
— Jack Lebeau (@JackLebeau66) 5 January 2020
Finally! Man like @pablo_zabaleta scores for West Ham…love that! Those old legs can still do it ⚒
— Melissa Goldberg (@MissMelGoldberg) 5 January 2020
Hard fought game, professional win. Old man Zabaleta coming through with the goods 😂 Fornals is starting to grow on me too.
— Andy Cook (@AndyCook42) 5 January 2020
@pablo_zabaleta take bow 👏👏👏👏👍⚒
— Jersey Hammer (@jerseryhammers) 5 January 2020
Zabaleta, what a magnificent bloke #GILWHU
— mark holland (@monkfish9) 5 January 2020
West Ham fans, what have you made of Pablo Zabaleta’s time at your club?
