West Ham 3-1 Luton Town
by Paul Donovan
at London Stadium
DAVID MOYES signed off his time at the London Stadium on Saturday with a victory for his West Ham team over Championship-bound Luton Town.
Just as Moyes finished his time at West Ham, youngster George Earthy began what could be an exciting career.
Earthy’s recent debut ended with the youngster taken to hospital concussed. This time, though, he was on the pitch a matter of minutes, when Mohammed Kudus headed to the byline, then cutting back for Earthy to register his first senior goal for the Hammers.
The game had taken a long time to get going, with West Ham lacklustre throughout the first half.
Luton took the lead after five minutes, when Albert Sambi Lokonga headed home a cross from Alfie Doughty.
West Ham’s best first half effort was a Jarrod Bowen volley from a Lucas Paqueta cross but it hit the side netting.
Kudus had a couple chances but both went wide.
The home side were back in the game after half time, when a Bowen shot was pushed out to James Ward Prowse, who finished from the edge of the area.
Luton keeper Thomas Kaminski was kept busy, saving acrobatically from Michail Antonio twice.
West Ham finally got ahead, when a Bowen cross was pushed out for Tomas Soucek to drill home from the edge of the area.
Kudus, who battled all afternoon, then hit the post from a Bowen lay off.
Then, came that Earthy special to complete Moyes final afternoon at the London Stadium.
Moyes was pleased to finish his time as manager on a positive note.
The manager also waved at the 50,000-plus supporters who stayed behind to show their appreciation for what he has done for the club.
“Hopefully I can walk away from the club with something being achieved. Expectations have been raised, from facing relegation to expecting to be in Europe every season,” said Moyes, who felt the time was right for him and the club to go their separate ways.
“West Ham can improve, set up and go again,” said Moyes.