Hammers match winner Freddie Piquionne was smiling after Saturday’s victory over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena

French striker Freddie Piquionne couldn’t keep a straight face when he met the press after Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Coventry City at the Ricoh Arena.

It might have had something to do with it being his first goal since the FA Cup quarter-final against Stoke City; it may have been something to do with the fact that West Ham had come from behind away from home to win for the first time this season.

But more probably it was because of the comical value of the goal that proved to be the winner against Coventry.

“I think it was the worse goal of my life,” laughed the 32-year-old striker who has now notched 10 goals in 54 games in claret and blue.

“The ball came over and I miss it, the defender touched the ball and when I slip, I touch the ball with my knee and it has gone in,” he explained with a fixed grin on his face.

It really has to be seen to be believed. Piquionne has not scored a goal since last March, while his last league goal, which came at Everton back in January led to his sending off for celebrating in the crowd and indirectly to the Toffees’ equaliser.

This time the celebrations were more mooted, but this time round it also led to a win.

“I just fell over, but it is a good goal for the team because it gave us the win and we needed three points in this game,” said Piquionne.

The Frenchman has started just four games for the Hammers this season as manager Sam Allardyce has three big strikers to choose from, but it is not something that seems to particularly frustrate the big man.

“You have to ask the gaffer,” he said. “I do my best on the pitch and I am training hard for play, but you have to respect the choice of the manager.

“I think I am in good form though, very good. Today was my first goal for West Ham this season. I don’t play a lot, but when I do come on to the pitch I do my best and today I smile.”

There were stories in the press recently that Piquionne was about to join Doncaster Rovers on loan, something that in the end both the Frenchman and his manager rejected.

And it seems that Piquionne is happy to stay at the club and maybe even win a Championship medal this season.

“Maybe when I am 33 I can win a medal, but not if the gaffer won’t let me play on the pitch,” joked the Hammers striker.

“Seriously, I am very willing to play, in the team I have a lot of friends and I think I have one more year that I want to stay here.”

Team spirit seems to be vital at West Ham this year, especially after the nightmare of last season under Avram Grant, and it will be important for Allardyce to keep the dressing room harmonious, especially with three big strikers and their accompanying egos, all vying for one spot in the starting line-up.

So far, it has worked a treat.