West Ham beat Southampton 4-1 to reach Carabao Cup third round

West Ham overturned an early deficit to beat Southampton 4-1 at St Mary’s and reach the Carabao Cup third round. Leo Scienza put the Saints ahead after 10 minutes, but Josh Ajala scored twice before Taty Castellanos and Jarrod Bowen completed the visitors’ four-goal response.

Southampton made five changes to the side that defeated Stoke on Saturday, with Cameron Bragg and Romeo Akachukwu forming a homegrown midfield pairing. Akachukwu, 20, was making his first senior start for the club, while Divin Mubama also came into the team.

West Ham made eight changes from their defeat by Charlton, including a full debut for 20-year-old goalkeeper Finlay Herrick. He was beaten early when Tom Fellows created the opening for Scienza, who collected a deflected cross before moving past two challenges and sending a low shot across goal.

The hosts had the better of the opening period, but West Ham levelled before half-time. Lewis Orford’s corner caused uncertainty in the Southampton area, allowing Ajala to head in his first senior-start goal. The 19-year-old struck again seven minutes after the restart, driving through Jack Stephens after a loose clearance fell to him.

West Ham strengthened their position with a series of substitutions around the hour mark, including the introductions of Bowen and Castellanos. Southampton also made changes, bringing on Kuryu Matsuki, Flynn Downes and Sam Edozie, while Scienza was withdrawn.

Castellanos then added West Ham’s third after his effort took a deflection off Stephens. Bowen followed with the fourth to seal the victory and end Southampton’s run in the competition. The result sends the Hammers into the third round, while Southampton’s home victory over Stoke is followed by a heavy cup defeat.