Kudus: It’s a good start and we have to build from this

Mohammed Kudus’ full West Ham United debut was one to savour.

The Ghana international played a pivotal role as West Ham United came from behind to defeat FK TSC Bačka Topola 3-1 in our UEFA Europa League Group A opener.

While the Hammers dominated possession throughout, they found themselves behind when Petar Stanić took advantage of a defensive slip to run through and give the Serbian side a 47th minute lead.

The Hammers picked themselves up, with Kudus forcing an own goal from Nemanja Petrović before adding a goal which was undisputedly his, converting James Ward-Prowse’s corner with 20 minutes to go.

When Tomáš Souček added a third eight minutes from time it completed was turned out to be a comfortable victory for the Hammers – the ideal result for Kudus on his first start in Claret and Blue.

The support was incredible from the fans. Even when we were down they kept motivating the team and supporting us.

Mohammed Kudus

Mo, we’ve come from behind and in the end it’s a good start for us in Europe…

"In the first half we had most part of the game, but we couldn’t create a lot in the final third.

"We knew we had to do better in the second half and you could see we made some good chances.

"They are a very good team so we prepared for them and we were ready for which way the game went.

"We have the principles we have to play with and that was it. We got the three points.

"That was good and now we’ll focus on the next game."

 

Let’s talk about the goals – was the first yours?

"On the first goal, I don’t know if it’s mine but the ball touched me a little bit, then I just turned and the ball was in the goal.

"I just had to be there at the back post. I spoke with Saïd at the start of the game and I told him any time he cuts in I would be at the back post – and I was there!"

 

Mohammed Kudus celebrates scoring his first West Ham United goal

And on the second, what’s it like when James Ward-Prowse has the ball in his hands for a corner?

"We know James Ward-Prowse has a fantastic delivery and any time we have a set-piece we have a chance to score.

"On that one I just took my responsibility, made the run and it went in."

What did it mean to you to score your first goal in front of the West Ham fans?

"The support was incredible from the fans. Even when we were down they kept motivating the team and supporting us.

"It means a lot to me and I’ll keep doing my best like you saw today for the team. That’s what I’m here to do.

We've got the three points and that was the most important thing from the first game...

"The group stage is all about points and every game is important, particularly the start.  We just have to build from this and focus on the next game.

"It’s a good start already but there is a long way to go."