Steve Sidwell hailed Mohammed Kudus for his “superb” piece of skill as West Ham United fell to defeat against Aston Villa.
The Irons were beaten 2-1 in their opening Premier League game of the season on Saturday (17 August), with Jhon Duran netting the winner.
Despite being a disappointing day for United on home soil, Kudus caught the eye with one moment of quality in particular.
“That was worth the entrance fee alone from Mohammed Kudus,” Sidwell said on BBC Radio 5 Live [17 August, 6:38pm].
“He turned Matty Cash inside and out and executed a little rabona cross into the back post for Tomas Soucek.
“He just couldn’t bring the ball down in time and volleyed the shot over the bar. A great piece of skill. Superb.
Mohammed Kudus cannot help West Ham to victory
West Ham fell to defeat in Julen Lopetegui’s first competitive game in charge and there cannot be a huge number of complaints.
Aston Villa could have easily been two or three goals in front after debutant Amadou Onana’s early opener, but Lucas Paqueta levelled from the penalty spot against the run of play.
Unfortunately for the Irons, Duran – a target earlier in the summer – scored what prove to be the winner on a tough day at the office.
Kudus had moments of quality, not least with this piece of skill mentioned by Sidwell, but he ultimately could not help get his side over the line.
The Hammers simply need to get this defeat out of their system and pick themselves up ready for trip to Crystal Palace next weekend.
Kudus will play a massive part as the campaign goes on, as will the likes of Crysencio Summerville, Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, etc.
This was a disappointing result, but there is a long, long way to go this season.
