Cuco Martina was as shocked as anyone after netting a goal-of-the-season contender in Southampton's Boxing Day win over Arsenal as his wonder-strike was one of only times he has ever netted in his career.
Martina, 26, joined Saints from Dutch side FC Twente to little fanfare over the summer and made just his sixth appearance for the club in the clash against the Gunners in what turned into an unforgettable full Premier League debut.
The Curacao international met a headed clearance 25 yards from goal and hit a remarkable half-volley with the outside of his boot to set Southampton on course for a 4-0 victory against title-chasing Arsenal.
#SaintsFC's @CucoMartina reflects on his stunning strike in the 4-0 win over #Arsenal - https://t.co/r0rbBUPrn5 https://t.co/rEjAFLJoJn
- Southampton FC (@SouthamptonFC) December 26, 2015
"I don't have words -- it was an unbelievable feeling," Martina told the club's official YouTube channel. "I saw the ball go in and I thought 'oh my God'.
"It was a great feeling, for sure. I shoot and after the goal everything was slow motion for me. I was so happy, so happy.
"I score, I think, three goals in my whole life and that's the nicest one.
"I'm very happy to have scored and I'm very happy that the coach gave me a chance. I need to improve to keep playing there and I'm very happy for the chance."
What a strike! Cuco Martina gives Southampton the lead: https://t.co/GvcLr3GYPJ (U.S. only) pic.twitter.com/gPv2MqQQmH
- ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) December 26, 2015
It was Martina's first Southampton appearance since the 3-2 home defeat to Manchester United on Sept. 20, but the versatile defender could well get another chance on Monday.
Saints manager Ronald Koeman confirmed right-back Cedric Soares is to miss out again with a groin complaint, while Italy striker Graziano Pelle will be unavailable for the trip to West Ham and could miss more of the Saints' upcoming matches.
"He's struggling for a few weeks now with his knee," the Dutchman told the club's official website. "We had a plan to give him some days off doing treatment and no training.
"The pain was more -- that plan was not good -- and we take the decision to keep the player out until he is fully recovered to start training again."
Pelle's absence will almost certainly lead to another chance in attack for Shane Long. Despite rarely faltering since joining Saints from Hull in August 2014, the visit of Arsenal was just his 21st league start for the club. Long netted twice as the Gunners were cast aside, proving a nuisance throughout and hitting the post.
"He was very good," Koeman said. "He was one of the players who creates a big problem to the defenders because he had every time very good offensive movement and he was very dangerous.
"He missed a good chance first half and in the second half the long balls in behind the defenders of Arsenal is the game plan for Shane.
"He's a different No. 9 to Graziano. It's important to know because you need to play different -- a lot of running and he causes every team problems."