Erik reflects on 'a good performance'

Erik Lamela insisted it was all about continuing the hard work of pre-season after his two-goal performance in our 3-2 win against Toronto FC on Wednesday night.

The winger produced two clinical finishes to hand us a 2-0 lead at half-time after a dominant first half display at BMO Field.

Toronto hit back to level in the second half before Andros Townsend struck a fine winner five minutes from time.

Erik has looked sharp in pre-season after a back injury ended his debut campaign early – his last appearance in the Premier League on December 29.

“I’m very happy, I played without any pain, I felt healthy and it was great to score twice,” he said.

“I’m conscious that it’s only the start of the season and I have to continue to work hard. Overall, it was a good performance.”

Having drawn against Seattle Sounders on Saturday, we now travel back to America for the final leg of our summer Tour and a third friendly against another MLS side, Chicago Fire, on Saturday.

“These matches are good competition for us and it’s a great way to get into a rhythm ahead of the Premier League,” added Erik.

“The Tour also gives us time to build a real chemistry in the squad and I feel something special could happen next season.”