Overview
- Southampton took an early lead through Leo Scienza before West Ham turned the game around with a headed equaliser and a close-range finish from 19-year-old Josh Ayala on his first full professional appearance.
- Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen added late goals to complete a 4-1 win that saw West Ham progress to the next round of the Carabao Cup.
- Manager Nuno Espirito Santo praised Ayala and the young players, saying their character and belief justified the decision to make extensive changes to the team.
- Nuno’s side featured multiple teenagers and several players in their early 20s after a recent league defeat, reflecting a deliberate selection to prioritise development in the competition.
- Southampton’s boss described a strong first half followed by a poor second and rued the collapse that ended the club’s long run without a home defeat since January 17, while West Ham will look to build momentum and confidence from the young players’ display.