Ghana midfielder Mohammed Kudus produced an exceptional performance on Wednesday, helping West Ham secure a spot in the quarter-finals of the EFL Cup as they triumphed over Arsenal 3-1 at the London Stadium.
West Ham grabbed an early lead in the 16th minute when Jarrod Bowen delivered a pinpoint corner kick. Ben White, with a well-timed header, nodded the ball past Arsenal’s goalkeeper, Ramsdale, setting the tone for a thrilling encounter.
Despite Arsenal’s dominance in possession, they struggled to find the back of the net in the first half. Their best opportunity came when Eddie Nketiah sent a shot over the bar from eight yards, squandering a promising chance.
West Ham capitalised on Arsenal’s missed opportunities and, just five minutes into the second half, Mohammed Kudus showcased his brilliance. He expertly controlled Nayef Aguerd’s precise 50-yard cross-field pass before calmly slotting the ball low through the legs of Gabriel and into the far bottom corner, leaving fans in awe of his skill.
West Ham’s victory was all but secured shortly before the hour mark when Jarrod Bowen capitalized on a defensive error by Ben White. Bowen’s thunderous volley from the edge of the area took a deflection off Gabriel’s thigh, wrongfooting Ramsdale and sealing the win for the Hammers.
Arsenal’s captain, Martin Odegaard, managed to salvage a consolation goal with the final kick of the game, slotting the ball into the bottom corner. However, this wasn’t enough to end Arsenal’s 30-year wait for a League Cup victory.
Kudus, who joined the East London club from Ajax during the summer transfer window for over 40 million euros, continues to make a significant impact, leaving fans eager to see more of his extraordinary talent in the future. He has scored four goals in all competitions so far.