Nuno Espirito Santo lauds two-goal teenager Josh Ajala as West Ham advance
The Hammers overcame Southampton in the Carabao Cup.
Boss Nuno Espirito Santo saluted teenager Josh Ajala after he bagged a brace on his professional debut to lead a youthful West Ham to a comeback 4-1 triumph at Championship rivals Southampton.
Leo Scienza’s calmly-taken goal gave Southampton a 10th-minute lead but 19-year-old Ajala struck twice in 12 minutes either side of half-time to turn the tie around.
Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen came off the bench to both score in the final 15 minutes as Saints slumped to a first home defeat since January 17.
Nuno said: “I am very proud of my young players and the character and belief they showed.
“It is important for Josh. He works hard every day in training to get chances in games. We are delighted he took the opportunity.
“We did not start very well but with these young lads we have to give them time and understand the process of their development.
“Winning breeds confidence and it is important now we build momentum from this and keep going.”
Boss Tonda Eckert rued a “poor” second half from his Southampton side.
He said: “It was a very good first half and a very poor second from us.
“We had chances to go 2-0 up, conceded from a corner and from there we never found a way back into the game.
“There were some positives but as a team we need to grow and become better in a lot of different aspects.”