West Ham United: Gary Neville in love with Mohammed Kudus example he used to hate vs Brentford
Gary Neville was delighted by Mohammed Kudus’ play to put Jarrod Bowen’s hat-trick goal “on a plate” as West Ham beat Brentford.
The Sky Sports pundit reacted live on the match commentary after the Ghianian star drove in from the right flank to force Sergio Reguilon back before crossing for his teammate to nod his third in the 4-2 victory.
Neville highlighted how much he hated being on the receiving end of play like Kudus’ in his playing days and held the Irons star’s work up as an example that youngsters should follow.
The former Manchester United and England defender said (9.22pm): “There’s a part of that goal that I really love. Being a full-back myself I used to hate it when the wide player would get the ball and run at you with real aggression, and tell you ‘I’m gonna beat you’.
“Kudus did that. He’s been quite erratic at times tonight in his play. Bowen gets the hat-trick, but it’s laid on a plate for him.
“As he comes over, Reguilon, Kudus just goes, really puts his head down and moves him inside the box, [Reguilon] steps off him and he just scoops it up beautifully into a great area.
“I love that. Every young winger at home watching, attack your full-back every time, drive them back into the box, and when they drop off then you can deliver just like that.”
Mohammed Kudus overwhelms Sergio Reguilon to deliver Jarrod Bowen hat-trick for West Ham
The former Ajax man hasn’t been as effective as he was during a sparkling run earlier this season since his return from international duty at the African Cup of Nations.
He wasn’t at his best for periods of the win over Brentford but the assist that so impressed Neville was Kudus at his best.
His direct threat brought the play in from the touch line and his cut-back and cross meant Bowen could hardly miss for the easiest of his three strikes.
David Moyes finally got the reaction he has badly needed for a first win this year, with his English top scorer setting the home side on the way with two strikes within seven minutes.
There was still cause for concern at the back as Neal Maupay, who was at the centre of a furious clash with Kevin Nolan at half-time, left Konstantinos Mavropanos for dead to pull one back after 13 minutes, and Yoane Wissa scored a goal that displeased Moyes in the second half.
But the Bowen treble and an Emerson stunner into the top corner from distance gave West Ham a long-awaited win.
In other West Ham news, a recently-sacked Premier League boss will be considered to come in at the London Stadium.
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