West Ham United manager Nuno Espirito Santo heaped praise on Josh Ajala after the youngster scored his first senior goals. The 19-year-old made his first start at Southampton in the second round of the Carabao Cup, having made his club debut from the bench in the previous round, and netted once in each half.
Ajala was part of a youthful starting XI at St Mary’s. Goalkeeper Fin Herrick was also starting a match for the Hammers for the first time, having come off the bench against Leeds in last season’s FA Cup, while Airidas Golambeckis and recent loan addition Divine Mukasa were also involved from the start.
The brace from Ajala turned the game on its head after Leo Scienza had fired Southampton into an early lead. He headed home a Lewis Orford corner before putting the Hammers in front when he waltzed into the Saints boss and fired beyond Daniel Peretz.
“I am very proud of my young players and the character and belief they showed,” Nuno said.
