Happy Hammers cruise through to the knockout stages
West Ham United have clinched back-to-back knockout stages in Europe for the first time in their history after beating Belgium giants Anderlect 2-1 at the London Stadium.
Said Benrahma opened the scoring just 14 minutes in with a fantastic free kick 20 yards out which was aided by a poor Anderlect wall leaving goalkeeper Hendrik Van Crombrugge with no chance.
Unfortunately for the East Londoners, veteran centre half Angelo Ogbonna had to come off with an injury just 22 minutes in. The 6’2 Italian was out last for the six months of the previous campaign with a cruciate injury.
West Ham doubled their lead minutes later as Jarrod Bowen smashed the ball into the top corner from the edge of the box leaving the Hammers cruising into the second half. Bowen now becomes West Ham’s joint leading top goalscorer in European football. David Moyes heaped praise on the 25-year-old.
“Every time we play him I think he’s a threat and at the moment, he’s getting closer to scoring those goals.” Moyes said.
West Ham’s injury concerns were worsened later in the second half when Craig Dawson came off in the 75th minute but should be fine as manager David Moyes revealed it was a dead leg.
Anderlect got one back late in the game after a controversial penalty was given, leaving Ben Johnson fuming with the official decision. Anderlect loanee Sebastiano Esposito executed the penalty well, sending keeper Alphonse Areola the wrong way. The West Ham manager also said it was a “poor” decision from the referee.
It was a comfortable performance for Moyes’ side and the manager was pleased with the display.
“I’m really pleased we’ve done it because you have to win the games and you have to do all of the prep and get everybody ready for them and we’ve done that, so we’re really pleased we’ve qualified for Europe. The big thing is always to be in Europe again after Christmas if you can.”
The Hammers look sure to clinch top spot of their Europa Conference League group with just one point needed in their next two games, against Silkeborg and Fotbal Club FCSB.
