The boy born to be King Hammer
His smile was seen from the Bobby Moore Upper in all its glory as the best player of the year in claret and blue scored his first goal for the club at League level.
The reaction of his team mates and the fans was unbelievable – this is the boy born to be King Hammers as the team scored a great victory over the Gooners.
Beyond the goal this was his victory as he chased all over the park making critical interventions and setting up attacks.
That Manel Pellegrini was moved to single him out afterwards was very special and unpredictable.
He said: “I think we are seeing a complete player. He is just 19 years old and I’m sure in the future he will be a top, top player.”
Our cool and calm manager isn’t prone to such displays of excitement but the lad does exactly that to every one of us and Pelle proved it is no different for him.
It was the perfect afternoon from every point of view, none more so than watching Dec perform with us all safe in the knowledge that he is ours for another six years.
There were great performances elsewhere, from Anderson in particular, but this was Declan’s day.
He may not agree with all the Mooro comparisons but they will continue to come his way as for those of us who grew up with the greatest Hammer of all it sometimes feels as though we are living in a sixties and seventies time warp watching this kid.