West Ham player ratings from the commanding 4-1 Carabao Cup victory at Southampton as Joshua Ajala scored twice and Lewis Orford created two goals during an outstanding display from Nuno Espírito Santo’s youngsters.
West Ham recovered from Léo Scienza’s early opener through Ajala’s brace before substitutes Valentín Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen completed the scoring.
The result secured a place in the third round and provided a strong response to Saturday’s Championship defeat by Charlton. Read our full Southampton 1-4 West Ham match report here.
West Ham player ratings against Southampton
Finlay Herrick – 7
Could do little about Scienza’s early finish and responded confidently on his first senior start. Made useful second-half saves from Finn Azaz and Samuel Edozie after briefly requiring treatment.
Joël Veltman – 8
West Ham’s most accomplished defender throughout the evening. Used the ball intelligently, supported several attacks and supplied the cross from which Castellanos made it 3-1.
Airidas Golambeckis – 7
Recovered well after a difficult opening ten minutes for the entire defence. The academy centre-back remained composed against Divin Mubama and completed the match without being overwhelmed.
Max Kilman – 7
Provided essential experience alongside three less-established defenders. Went close with an early header and helped West Ham manage Southampton’s attempts to respond during the second half.
Ezra Mayers – 6
Experienced some nervous moments but grew into the match. Kept his positioning and concentration as Southampton introduced more senior attacking players.
Lewis Orford – 9
West Ham’s outstanding creative influence. Delivered the corner for Ajala’s first goal, assisted Bowen’s late finish and repeatedly moved the ball into dangerous areas.
Orford’s two assists strengthened his argument for more Championship minutes after starting the season behind Mohamadou Kanté and Arne Engels.
Mohamadou Kanté – 6
Protected the young defence and gave Orford freedom to progress possession. Did his work without attracting much attention before Engels replaced him after 59 minutes.
Keiber Lamadrid – 6
Carried the ball forward during one promising first-half counter but fired wide. Worked hard on his first start of the season, although he conceded several unnecessary fouls.
Divine Mukasa – 7
An encouraging first West Ham start. Mukasa delivered the corner from which Kilman almost scored and consistently searched for pockets of space behind Southampton’s midfield.
Joshua Ajala – 9
A senior opportunity seized emphatically. Ajala headed West Ham level before reacting inside the penalty area to score his second shortly after half-time.
The 19-year-old’s movement and composure changed the match. His brace gave Nuno another attacking option to consider before Saturday’s trip to Watford.
Joël Piroe – 7
Did not add to his goal against Charlton but contributed to West Ham’s improved response. Forced Daniel Peretz into two saves and occupied Southampton’s centre-backs before departing just before the hour.
Sky Sports’ match commentary recorded Piroe testing the goalkeeper twice during West Ham’s difficult opening period.
West Ham substitute ratings
Jarrod Bowen – 8
Added urgency after replacing Lamadrid and completed the scoring with a composed left-footed finish. Bowen’s growing influence remains central to West Ham’s hopes this season.
Valentín Castellanos – 8
Immediately gave Southampton’s defence a more physical problem. Scored from close range, helped create an opportunity for Bowen and maintained West Ham’s attacking pressure.
Manor Solomon – 7
Offered direct running and combined well with Castellanos. Almost added a fifth in stoppage time, forcing Peretz into a save from outside the penalty area.
Arne Engels – 7
Helped West Ham control midfield after arriving alongside the senior attacking substitutes. Kept possession moving and prevented Southampton from building sustained momentum.
Kaelan Casey – 6
Replaced Mukasa late and helped see out the closing minutes without incident.
Player of the match: Joshua Ajala
Orford produced the most complete performance, but two goals on a rare senior opportunity give Ajala the narrowest of advantages.
