West Ham striker Joel Piroe has targeted an immediate response against Southampton after admitting Nuno Espírito Santo’s side must become more ruthless following their 2-1 defeat by Charlton Athletic.
Piroe marked his Hammers debut with a 74th-minute goal, converting after Arthur Okonkwo parried Taty Castellanos’ effort. It proved insufficient as West Ham failed to turn sustained late pressure into an equaliser.
The hosts registered 25 attempts and controlled 77.6 per cent of possession, but Castellanos’ stoppage-time penalty against the post completed a frustrating afternoon. Sky Sports’ match report underlined how several earlier opportunities also went unfinished.
Joel Piroe identifies West Ham’s Southampton priority
Speaking to the official West Ham website, Piroe acknowledged that the team must improve at both ends of the pitch.
“We did have plenty of good moments, and we just have to be more ruthless,” the Dutch forward said.
That assessment reflects the costly flaw exposed by West Ham’s 25-shot defeat. Their territorial dominance counted for little after Charlton were allowed to establish a two-goal advantage.
Piroe’s debut finish should strengthen his prospects of retaining a starting place at St Mary’s. Our predicted West Ham XI against Southampton has the striker leading a reshaped attack.
James Ward-Prowse could also be handed his first start since returning to West Ham against his former club.
The Carabao Cup tie begins at 7.45pm, with full Southampton versus West Ham viewing details available here.
