Ali Al-Hamadi, who opened his Stoke City account with a predator’s goal on his debut, thinks strikers can make their own luck.

Hull’s defense was unable to stop Tatsuki Seko’s deep cross shortly before halftime on Saturday, and the 22-year-old was in the proper position to thump it in. The equalizer gave Stoke the advantage, and Andrew Moran’s winner gave them a crucial three points.

After playing as a substitute for Ipswich in the Premier League, it was Al-Hamadi’s first league start of the season, and he was embracing the chance after joining the team a week earlier.

“The guys have really helped me get settled in, the gaffer and the staff have been great, and it’s been nothing but positive around the training ground getting ready for the game,” he said. “It’s been an amazing week of training.” I’m just glad to be back on the field doing what I love, and the away end was bouncing on this ideal day.

In an interview with the club website, he added: “It was just trying to be in the right positions and not thinking too much when a cross dropped in the box.” My goal was to go out and have fun, play my game, and not worry too much about finishes or anything else that comes easily.

“You must be in the proper places. I believe you make your own luck in the box, even though some may term it luck. This is especially true in the Championship or Premier League where it’s difficult to produce chances at any level. It involves remaining alert, in the moment, and waiting for your turn in the game. You must always be ready for it, whether it comes at the last minute or the first.

It takes a lot of work on the field, behind the scenes, and from the supporters to keep us going in the end, as well as a lot of work from Nathan Lowe playing up and the substitutes. It’s hard to win football games.

Front and I split the workload, and he ran his fucking socks off. Everyone must give it their all, and that’s what we’re going to do from now until the end of the season: give it our all in every way.”

Prior to play, Stoke and Hull were tied for second place in the league, therefore the Potters’ victory—their first under Mark Robins—was significant. They had only lost one of their last six games, but they had only won one of their last 15 Championship games.

“I believe that when confidence has been a little low and we haven’t seen results, the boys

have told me that on a few occasions, we were close. Sometimes all you truly need is proof to convince yourself that you can succeed and see the results of your labor. Although it seems cliche, we must continue to play each game as it comes, learn from it, get better, and see where it leads us at the conclusion of the season.

The traveling Stoke supporters gave the Iraqi player a performance of his own song to wrap up his first day with the team.

colors—a modified rendition of “This Is How It Feels” by Inspiral Carpets, with a namecheck for his loanee replacement Tom Cannon—and he was obviously having fun with the festivities following the final siren.

That was excellent, he remarked. I understand that we’re toward the bottom of the table after a football game, but you have to have fun when you win. Results-wise, the season has been difficult, and there may not be many moments like that. Therefore, you must cherish them when they occur, as they unite everyone for the next one.

“I sensed the affection.” I truly appreciate it. It’s unbelievable to see an away finish like that given how few games we’ve won this season.