Krisztián Hegyi was thrilled West Ham United U23s showed exactly what they were capable of in Friday’s 3-2 Premier League 2 win over Brighton & Hove Albion.
After a difficult couple of weeks, in which the development squad struggled to put points on the board against tough opposition, Mark Robson’s side got a deserved victory over the Seagulls in an entertaining fixture.
The U23s' performance was more than deserving of the venue from which it emanated, London Stadium, and Hegyi was delighted to come away with such a hard-fought victory.
“We’re very happy after this win,” the goalkeeper told West Ham TV. “We needed this win after some hard results. It was a tough game, so we’re really happy.
“The game-plan was to try and control the game. We needed to make sure we stayed calm and built up chances to score. I think the lads did that, and we’re really happy to get the win.”
The Irons took the lead through Pierre Ekwah’s fantastic long-range effort in the first half, only for Brighton to hit back early in the second.
It was only a few minutes later that the U23s took a 3-1 lead however, as substitutes Kamarai Swyer and Thierry Nevers netted in quick succession.
Brighton would score again on 81 minutes to make the closing exchanges tense, but the Hammers held on for a vital result.
Hegyi continued: “Pierre’s goal was a worldie, wasn’t it? It was really important to start well in the game, get the first goal and then stay calm after it as well. I think we did that really well.
“In the second half, it would have been better for us to get the second goal but, after their first one, we kept going. We were able to score two quickly, which we needed.
“We were a bit under pressure after they scored, so to get two after was important. We sat back a bit then and they took control of the game, and got another at the end, but we got the win.”
The Hungarian shot-stopper made a number of vital saves in Friday’s match and was happy with his own showing at London Stadium too.
“I’m happy with my performance. It’s always good to make saves and help the team. I’m really happy for myself and the team.
“We’ve got five league games left now and we need to make sure we win all five games. That could mean a very good season for us.”
