Garth Crooks blown away by West Ham United trio after 2-0 win v Manchester United
BBC Sport pundit Garth Crooks has named three West Ham United players in his Premier League Team of the Week.
Kurt Zouma, Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen were all handed the honour after the 2-0 win against Manchester United.
Kudus and Bowen were both on the scoresheet as the Hammers won the Premier League clash at the London Stadium on Saturday (23 December).
Discussing Zouma, Crooks told BBC Sport (24 December): “His sheer presence against Manchester United clearly made a difference and provided a tremendous boost for the Hammers.
On Kudus, he said: “The mere fact that Kudus has featured so prominently in my teams during these past few weeks should tell you how well this lad has been playing for West Ham this season. Since the arrival of the Ghana international, the Hammers look even more dangerous on the break.”
And on Bowen, Crooks said: “The England international has scored 11 goals this season and adjusted remarkably well to a more central striking role with Michail Antonio out of action through injury.”
Huge win
After the Hammers were thrashed 5-1 by Liverpool in the EFL Cup quarter-finals, they needed a response against Manchester United.
And they produced a very strong one against the Red Devils in East London, with Kudus and Bowen playing a vital role going forward, and Zouma playing a key role at the back.
The West Ham faithful were in full voice at the London Stadium, which undoubtedly motivated the players to bounce back following their miserable trip to Anfield.
They may have left it late, with Bowen netting in the 72nd minute and Kudus scoring in the 78th minute, but it was worth the wait for all those associated with the Hammers.
The three points mean West Ham have risen to sixth place in the Premier League table, just four points behind Manchester City in fifth, although the latter do have a game in hand.
Still, it has been another superb season from David Moyes and his talented squad, with another European place very much on the cards.
In other West Ham news, a European club want to sign a Hammers ace in the January transfer window, with the player open to a move.