Taty Castellanos has underlined the importance of contributing at both ends of West Ham United’s attack after marking his return with a goal and an assist against Wrexham.
The striker returned to Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting XI on Friday after missing the 3-2 victory at Bolton through injury.
Castellanos made up for lost time.
He created Joel Piroe’s first-half goal before finding the net himself after 63 minutes as West Ham completed a dominant 6-0 Championship victory. Sky Sports’ match report confirms Castellanos was one of six different West Ham goalscorers.
Castellanos sends clear West Ham message
Castellanos’ performance was about more than getting his name on the scoresheet.
His work alongside Piroe caused Wrexham problems throughout, and the Argentine produced an unselfish contribution for West Ham’s second goal.
In West Ham’s official reaction to the victory, the club led on Castellanos’ message that “it’s always important to assist and score goals”.
That combination was exactly what he delivered.
Castellanos set up Piroe in the 37th minute before finishing Kyle Walker-Peters’ pass to make it 4-0 in the second half.
It was particularly encouraging given the fitness uncertainty surrounding him only days earlier.
West Ham striker makes instant impact after injury
Castellanos had been forced off during the 3-0 win against Derby County before missing the Bolton victory.
Nuno later revealed the striker had felt pain and inflammation in his tendon, although the issue was improving ahead of Wrexham. Nuno’s full pre-match injury update also covered the progress of Tomas Soucek and Alphonse Areola.
Read West Ham had been tracking Castellanos’ fitness before the Wrexham game after he missed the entire squad at Bolton.
His return could hardly have gone better.
A goal, an assist and another convincing West Ham victory immediately removed any concern over whether the disruption would halt his momentum.
Nuno has major attacking options before Fulham
Castellanos’ performance also gives Nuno another decision ahead of Tuesday’s Carabao Cup meeting with Fulham.
Piroe scored against Wrexham, while Manor Solomon and Jarrod Bowen also found the net.
The full range of options available to Nuno can be seen on our West Ham first-team squad page.
With a Championship trip to Millwall following only four days after Fulham, rotation is likely to become important.
Supporters can find the broadcast details in our West Ham vs Fulham TV channel and live-stream guide.
Castellanos has nevertheless given Nuno exactly what he wanted after his short absence.
He returned, created a goal and scored one himself.
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