West Ham manager David Moyes and two players test positive for Covid just before kick-off

Coach removed from ground and line-up changed but game goes ahead and Hammers win

West Ham's Andriy Yarmolenko celebrates after scoring his side's fifth goal. AP

Sebastien Haller celebrates scoring West Ham's second goal against Hull. EPA

West Ham's Andriy Yarmolenko, second right, celebrates with West Ham's Sebastien Haller after scoring his side's third goal from the penalty spot. AP

West Ham United assistant manager Alan Irvine took charge of the game. Reuters

Harrison Ashby of West Ham leaves the pitch after sustaining an injury. EPA

Andriy Yarmolenko at the end of the match. EPA

Andriy Yarmolenko of West Ham greets Hull's players at the end of the game. EPA

West Ham assistant manager Alan Irvine praised his side for staying focused to beat Hull City 5-1 in the League Cup after news that manager David Moyes and players Issa Diop and Josh Cullen had tested positive for Covid-19 broke just before kick-off.

All three left the London Stadium to return home, with the players replaced in the starting line-up before the third-round tie went ahead as scheduled.

"At 18:20 we suddenly got some information from our doctor and head physio to say there were three positive tests, the manager and the two players," said Irvine.

"We'd had contact insofar as we were in the same area of the stadium as David. We'd been at the stadium for about two hours before the match started.

"We were shocked by the news. We've had so many tests and not had any positive. But we've been very particular about protocol right from the start - the medical team are very aware of what has been happening and we've followed all the protocol, and we'll be following protocol now.

"It was vitally important that the players were prepared psychologically and ready to go out and perform. This was an opportunity for them to impress and they certainly did that.

"There were no players discussing it or looking for excuses about what was going on. No players were thinking the game couldn't go on, it was all positive.

"I am not worried, the mood after the game was one of excitement, they know they played well and did themselves a load of good going forward."

This third-round tie went ahead with Sebastien Haller and Andriy Yarmolenko both scoring twice and Robert Snodgrass also on target.

West Ham will face Wolves  in the Premier League on Sunday.