Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen were both beaming following West Ham United’s 3-1 win over Arsenal.
Not only did both forward players find the net in a brilliant attacking display from the hosts at London Stadium, but victory also sent the Irons through to the Carabao Cup quarter-finals.
While there was a touch of fortune about West Ham’s opener – as Bowen’s corner found the Arsenal net off defender Ben White – both goals in the second half were the result of pure and simple talent.
Kudus’ excellent touch from Nayef Aguerd’s cross-field ball set the Ghanaian up for a fantastic finish on 50 minutes, before Bowen rifled in from the edge of the area to add a third and put the Hammers in complete control.
While Arsenal found a late consolation through substitute Martin Ødegaard, the hosts’ advantage never really looked under threat.
With an impressive win secured, and a place in the last eight of the competition to look forward to, there were plenty of reasons for the smiles on Bowen and Kudus’ faces…
Congratulations to you both. Through to the quarter-finals, how good does that sound?
Mohammed Kudus: “It sounds really good. After our last game, we had to bounce back, and I’m glad we were able to today. Everyone was on top of their game and we got the win.”
Jarrod, how important was that performance?
Jarrod Bowen: “It was massive. We knew what was at stake. We had the pleasure of winning a trophy in the summer and, when you’re in so many cup competitions domestically and in Europe, you have a good chance of getting another trophy. We’ve spoke about how, if you want to win a trophy, you have to beat the best teams, and we’ve done that tonight.
“Of course, the week we’ve had wasn’t our best but what is done is done. We had to face the opposition in front of us and I think you saw the hunger and drive in everyone to win that game.”
A smidge of luck for the first goal but the second and third goal were exceptional. Mo, your touch was perfect.
MK: “It was, but the pass from Nayef Aguerd was so good and I didn’t have to do a lot. I want to say thanks to Nayef for that pass.”
Do you feel you’ve taken your opportunity on a personal level in the last few games?
MK: “Yeah, we’ve got a lot of good players in the team. With every opportunity I get, I just want to do my best for the team.”
Jarrod, that was your ninth goal involvement of the season so far…
JB: “Like Mo just said, I want to do my best every time I step on the pitch. Whether that’s through assists or goals, we’re both attacking players and we have to bring the quality. We both got on the scoresheet tonight and, as attackers, that’s what we want to do.
“Tonight is a really good step forward, and we’ve got another tough game Saturday. That’s followed by another European game and then one more game before the internationals. So a lot of games coming up and a lot of challenges for us to answer.”
Do you feel like you’ve got a real chance in this competition?
JB: “You have to beat the best to be the best and win a cup competition. For this Club and for us players to be in so many cup competitions, we have a real chance.
“We knew this game was a chance for us, we’ve taken it, and we’re looking forward to the next round. We don’t want to get too far ahead of ourselves, but always dream.”
