Mohammed Kudus believes West Ham United can find greater levels than the ones shown in Thursday’s 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth.
The Hammers had to fight back from an early Dominic Solanke opener at London Stadium, with James Ward-Prowse’s penalty in the second half securing a share of the spoils for the home side.
While the point means West Ham are now unbeaten in six Premier League matches, Kudus knows the side can perform better and show even more in all areas.
“We can do better than this, both offensively and defensively,” he said. “Offensively, we didn’t do enough against AFC Bournemouth. As forward players, we need to do more, including me. We need to reflect on the game, and take the point, and then look ahead to the next match too.”
It was the returning Ghanaian who won the Irons spot-kick, following a foul on the 23-year-old from Lloyd Kelly. While referee Tim Robinson initially waved away appeals, a check from the Video Assistant Referee showed the official the contact.
“The referee has to be very sure; we understand that,” Kudus continued. “But I knew it was a penalty because there was contact on my foot, and the Bournemouth player did not connect with the ball either.
“I was glad we got the penalty because it meant we scored and got back into the game.”
Thursday’s outing included a West Ham debut for new signing Kalvin Phillips, who moved to the Hammers on loan from Manchester City during the January transfer window.
While the midfielder was involved in the build-up to Bournemouth’s goal inside the opening exchanges, Kudus knows the quality Phillips possesses and is looking forward to playing further alongside the 28-year-old.
He said: "I’m not disappointed for [Kalvin] because we know the kind of player he is and the quality that he has. When you come into a new team, it can take some time to get used to everybody.
“I believe in him so much and we have no doubts about his quality at all. In the next game, he will show even more and we will all understand each other that little bit more too.”
The duo may get the chance to share the pitch together again on Sunday, when West Ham United face Manchester United at Old Trafford.
Having missed the four games prior to Thursday’s fixture due to his involvement at CAF Africa Cup of Nations with Ghana, Kudus is eager to channel his motivation once again into performing at his best in Claret and Blue.
“I have the same motivation every time I step onto the pitch,” Kudus added. “No matter the location or the competition, I have the same focus to be better and better in every game.
“Of course, I’m not happy to have been eliminated from the Africa Cup of Nations, but that’s the reality and now I’m back with West Ham, and I’m focused on doing my best for this Club. We now need to show the same mentality against Manchester United away as we did in the home game against them.”
