Offrande Zanzala returned from his loan spell at Chester to score twice and lead Derby County’s Under-23s to a stunning 5-1 win at the London Stadium against West Ham United.
The striker opened the scoring after 30 seconds before completing his brace before half time, with the in-form Luke Thomas, Charles Vernam and Jayden Bogle completing the rout. Grady Diangana grabbed a late consolation for the hosts.
Zanzala hasn’t played for the Under-23s since being sent off against Birmingham City in the Premier League Cup in September and he made the ideal return to the side after just half a minute.
Joe Bateman’s ball in behind found the striker and the West Ham backline couldn’t contend with his pace and power, before he slotted calmly past Nathan Trott.
The Rams came under pressure afterwards but the home side failed to make it count, and the lead was doubled after 21 minutes courtesy of the man in form.
It was a superb team goal, with some intricate passing eventually finding Alex Babos, who played in the brilliant Thomas to beat Trott as his near post to make it 2-0.
The Hammers came close to reducing the deficit from two Sead Haksabanovic corners, but Alex Pike and then Martin Samuelsen couldn’t convert, before Derby made them pay with a third goal eight minutes before half time.
Thomas again was heavily involved and he thundered an effort off the crossbar after being released by Callum Guy, who was superb in winning back possession in the midfield area, and the shot rebounded off Zanzala’s shin and into the net.
Derby continued their dominance shortly after the break, with a shift counter attacking move ending with Vernam slamming home after Babos’ close range effort was saved.
It was five just three minutes later as Thomas once against tore the West Ham defence apart, and when his effort from a tight angle was saved, full-back Bogle was on hand to make it 5-0.
To their credit, the home side fought back, hitting the bar twice before the lively Samuelsen forced Josh Barnes into a great save, although it looked like the Hammers’ number 10 handballed in the build up.
They got their consolation goal with just over 20 minutes left to play, when substitute Diangana found the net with a superb controlled volley from inside the area.
The Rams saw out time from there to secure a superb victory, their seventh in the last nine games in all competitions.
West Ham United: Trott; Johnson (Scully, 63’), Pike (Coventry, 50’), Akinola, Powell; Quina, Makasi; Kemp (Diangana, 56), Samuelsen, Haksabanovic; Martinez.
Substitutes not used: Matrevics, Well.
Derby County: Barnes; Bogle, Bateman, Wassall, Lowe; Guy, Thorne; Thomas (Walker, 85’), Vernam (Bird, 74’), Babos (Macdonald, 69’); Zanzala.
Substitutes not used: Ravas, Jakobsen.
Major Moment…
Despite taking the lead so early, West Ham had their moments of consistent attacking, and the Rams’ second goal came at a crucial time.
It was a well-constructed move that was eventually finished off by Thomas, who seems to have an impact every time he takes to the field in a Derby shirt.
Who Impressed…
The Rams have been in terrific form of late, but Zanzala’s return to the side was a catalyst for an incredible first half performance, as Wassall’s side shot out of the blocks in a manner not too dissimilar to Usain Bolt in this arena five years ago.
He offered pace, power and finesse to not only score, but also to bring his teammates into play throughout the night, and his two goals were just reward for a superb display.
What’s Next…
Derby return to Pride Park Stadium next Friday to take on Leicester City in Premier League 2, before heading to St George’s Park to face Middlesbrough.