Craig Dawson has backed Andriy Yarmolenko to continue changing games after his emotional goal against Aston Villa at the weekend.

The Hammers won 2-1 against Steven Gerrard’s side and the win came about largely thanks to the first goal from the Ukraine international, making his first appearance since Russia’s invasion of his native country.

Yarmolenko’s goal was a brilliant one, as he controlled Said Benrahma’s cross, spun, and hit the ball into the bottom corner with the outside of his boot.

The experienced ace could be needed for the remainder of the week, too, when the Hammers take on Sevilla in the Europa League second leg of their round of 16 tie, and then face Spurs in a big London derby at the weekend.

Speaking after the game, Dawson laid down the gauntlet to his team-mate, insisting that he is set to keep scoring goals after his return to the team, having replaced the injured Mikey Antonio against Villa.

He told the official website: “It was a massive moment [when Yarmolenko scored].

“It just shows [how much everyone is behind him] with the atmosphere when he came on and when he scored. It’s great for him.

“It was emotional for him and emotional for everyone. It probably doesn’t change anything for him but it’s nice to see him get that goal.

“Yarma is going to be very important for us in the coming weeks, so hopefully he comes on and does the same as he did today.”