Mohammed Kudus was thrilled to play his role in an early Christmas present for West Ham United supporters in Saturday’s 2-0 win over Manchester United.
The Irons signed off 2023 at London Stadium with a hard-fought victory over the Red Devils as Kudus and Jarrod Bowen netted in quick succession in the second half.
The result puts the Hammers up to sixth in the Premier League, temporarily at least, and the Ghanaian was pleased with a big result in east London.
“Manchester United are a very good team and everybody gave their best,” he told whufc.com. “I’m very happy to help the team get the three points. It’s an amazing Christmas gift for the fans, and I hope they enjoyed it.”
Kudus swept home from just inside the area with a well-taken strike, his sixth Premier League goal of the campaign and third in last two matches, just a few minutes after Bowen had forced in his eleventh Premier League finish this campaign.
Getting on the score-sheet, and watching Bowen again net, both from Lucas Paquetá assists, filled Kudus with delight.
“That’s what I’m here to do,” he smiled. “I’ve got the best seat in the stadium when I celebrate my goals too. Lucas gave me the ball on the edge of the box and the defender was coming on my left side, so I had no option but to go on my right. I believed in it, trusted my intuition and it was a good goal.”
“All credit to Jarrod. I’m not surprised he’s still scoring. He’s got the hunger and work-ethic, and his professionalism also. He’s setting the example for us and I’m a big fan of how he plays. We keep pushing each other and helping each other and I’m so happy he keeps scoring, and I know there’s even more to come from him.”
Erik ten Hag’s proved a test in Saturday’s early kick-off, and Kudus knew his former Ajax manager would set his Red Devils up to be difficult to beat.
Heading into the match on the back of a disappointing Carabao Cup loss at Anfield, Kudus took pride in a return to winning ways.
It was, according to the 23-year-old, a superb way to show gratitude to the Claret and Blue Army.
“They are a very good side and we knew it. We had to be very disciplined defensively and then make use of the counter-attacks when we won the ball. We were able to do that and I’m very happy for it to work.
“It was 100 per cent important we bounced back. We learn from the down times and then enjoy the ups. It was a bad game at Liverpool but it was good to get this win, especially in the last game before Christmas for the fans.
“The best gift I can give is my performance in a win today. It was so important to win and I want to thank all the West Ham fans for their support. Credit to the fans, I’m glad we made them happy.”
