Keith Hackett reacts to Josh Ajala incident in Southampton vs West Ham
Josh Ajala had a dream night in West Ham's 4-1 win against Southampton in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday.
The 19-year-old started alongside Joel Piroe and notched a first-half equaliser and the goal to put his side into the lead in the second-half.
He rose to meet Lewis Orford's corner and beat Nathan Wood to send the ball into the back of the net.
He appeared to push the Saints defender as he headed home, in what could have been a controversial incident.
He was spotted in conversation with the referee after the incident, but the goal stood, and was not chalked off.
Keith Hackett, the ex-FIFA listed referee has shared his thoughts on the matter.
What did Keith Hackett say about Josh Ajala's first goal?
The former PGMOL chief believes that it was not enough contact to deny the goal, and it was the right decision to give it.
Speaking exclusively to West Ham Zone, he said: "Not enough for me, to disallow the goal.
"The referee judged this one correctly, the player goes to ground too easily."
That is the same opinion as the referee, and it turned into an even better night for the young Hammers star.
He ended up with a brace on an evening that could be monumental for his career in East London.
Why did Ajala's night only get better?
Ajala was one of eight changes from the 2-1 loss to Charlton last time out, and he certaintly made his impact known.
He bagged his second goal in the 53rd minute, turning the game around for the visitors.
He received the ball from Divine Mukasa and converted with a right-footed shot from the middle of the box.
Ajala was replaced by Manor Solomon in the 59th minute having made a significant impact on proceedings, as the E20 side tried to consolidate their lead.
Nuno Espirito Santo needs a difference maker in his squad, and Ajala may just have proved himself as the key to the London Stadium side's promotion hopes.
At the very least, he may have earned a starting opportunity for the trip to Watford on Saturday, after his impressive display against the Saints.
He has certainly given the manager something to think about going forward, and it may well end up being the start of something special.