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Chicharito reaches career milestones with controversial goal

By Dan Chapman

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Javier Hernandez of West Ham United scores an equalising goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Fulham FC at London Stadium on February 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 22: Javier Hernandez of West Ham United scores an equalising goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Fulham FC at London Stadium on February 22, 2019 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by James Griffiths/West Ham United via Getty Images) /
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Chicharito reached two historical marks with his goal for West Ham against fellow London club Fulham on Friday night.

Javier Hernández scored the equalizer for West Ham in a Friday night Premier League match against crosstown rivals Fulham. Not only was Chicharito’s goal key in helping the Hammers defeat Fulham, but it represented two historical marks for the former Chivas star.

The goal – the first in two months for the Jalisco native – was Chicharito’s 50th Premier League goal and the 200th of his career. It came after a free kick as a series of headers and deflections sent the ball toward him at the back post, and he appeared to head it in while diving to the ground (photo at top).

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The Mexican striker has had a disappointing spell with the West London club since joining from German Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen in 2017. The past two years, Chicharito has struggled for game time while struggling with persistent injuries.

Hernandez scored 37 Premier League goals for Manchester United, where he enjoyed an illustrious four seasons under the tutelage of Sir Alex Ferguson, winning a host of trophies including two Premier League titles.

As it turns out, the 200th goal professional goal (this includes the national record 50 goals he has scored for El Tri) of his career was not without controversy. Replays showed he scored with his hand, but none of the match officials saw it. The goal came in minute 29 and knotted the score at 1-1. The Hammers went on to win 3-1.

The goal and the historical marks should be a boost for Chicharito despite his disappointing season. Friday night’s game and his career stats suggest Chicharito is still a quality player perfectly capable of playing in the best leagues.

At the same time, Hernandez has been overshadowed by fellow Mexico striker Raul Jimenez at Wolves, and Jimenez is making a case to take over the lead striker role with El Tri.

Strongly linked with a move away form West Ham in the January transfer window, Chicharito’s time at West Ham is likely coming to an end this summer. Still, we can expect him to be invited to training camp by new Team Mexico coach Gerardo Martino as the nationaL team looks forward to participating in the Gold Cup this summer.

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