Teenager Josh Ayala scored twice on his full professional debut as West Ham came from behind to thrash Championship rivals Southampton 4-1 in the Carabao Cup. Nuno Espirito Santo fielded a young side with four teenagers and three 20-year-olds among eight changes from Saturday's defeat by Charlton. Southampton took a 10th-minute lead through Leo Scienza after Tom Fellows' cross was cleared to him on the edge of the box.

Daniel Peretz made a fine save to deny Joel Piroe before West Ham equalised just before half-time when Ayala headed home after Peretz flapped at Lewis Orford's corner. Ayala then put West Ham ahead early in the second half, capitalising on Jack Stephens' error to finish from eight yards. Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen added late goals to secure the win.

Southampton's Tonda Eckert admitted a poor second half cost them the game, while Nuno praised his young players' belief and character, highlighting Ayala's hard work and the importance of building momentum from the victory.