Levi Laing believes that West Ham United U23s will have reflected constructively on their last performance when they face Exeter City U23s in the Premier League Cup on Tuesday.
The development squad suffered a rare setback in Premier League 2 Division 1 on Friday, being held 1-1 by Arsenal at Meadow Park in an end-to-end encounter in which both sides enjoyed chances to claim the spoils.
It was league leaders West Ham’s players who trudged off the frozen pitch seemingly the most disappointed, however, after failing to win for just the third time in their last 14 matches.
The young Hammers will be seeking a more clinical display on Tuesday at St James Park, aware that a draw on Tuesday at St James Park would make progression almost certain from Group F – and that a win would 100 per cent secure it.
Laing told whufc.com: “We can build on the last game.
“I think it was a hard-fought battle between two good teams on Friday. We had spells where we were really good and could have scored, and Arsenal had some good spells too.
“I feel like whoever won the midfield battle would win the game, because it’s so pivotal in how we play. We both played through the midfield a lot, battling against each other.
“It was an alright team performance, but we know it’s now important to improve when we face Exeter in the Premier League Cup.
“We’ll go again and hopefully get the win, but it won’t be an easy game, as you saw last time we played against them [a 3-2 win in the reverse fixture in November, in which the Hammers scored twice in the last five minutes].
“We’ll go again and hopefully can get the three points.”
It’s really good playing alongside Aji [Alese]. He guides me through the game and helps us all along as well
Levi Laing
For 18-year-old Laing, who was making only his third U23s start of the season, a game against the Gunners will always stir up an element of familiarity.
Originally from Kingston-upon-Thames, the centre-back’s Academy career began as a 12-year-old with Brentford, where he spent two seasons before enjoying a five-year stint at Arsenal.
Laing started representing West Ham last January, initially arriving on trial with Kevin Keen’s U18s before later signing scholarship terms in east London and his first professional contract last summer.
“It was good to play against Arsenal and see the lads’ faces,” Laing admitted, “but obviously I had to switch into match mode and go and get in the zone.
“Afterwards, it was good to catch up with them and see how Arsenal has been for them.”
Laing was also delighted to partner – and impress alongside at Meadow Park – U23s captain and influential defender Ajibola Alese, who turned 21 on Monday.
The two may yet line up alongside one another once more in Devon, with Laing looking forward to the prospect.
“It’s great playing alongside Aji. He guides me through the game and helps us all along as well,” Laing smiled.
“He’s a really good communicator. If ever I don’t see something, he’ll always pull me up on it and say ‘Levi, look!’
“He’s a brilliant leader, really composed on the ball, and a joy to play with.”
*West Ham United U23s’ match against Exeter City U23s will be played at St James Park on Tuesday 18 January at 7pm.
Fans wishing to attend the match can purchase tickets from the IP Office Main Stand on the night, with Adult seats costing £5. Seniors and 18–23-year-olds can gain admittance for £4 while U18 tickets are just £1.
Fans not able to attend the game can follow the match through our live blog on whufc.com from 6.30pm, while significant match updates will also be available through Twitter.
There will also be post-match reaction and highlights pieces available over Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning.
