West Ham are through to the Europa Conference League knockout stages after first half goals from Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen helped defeat Anderlecht 2-1.
First Half Dominance
Benrahma scored his first goal of the season, curling home a lovely free kick inside 15 minutes to give the Irons the lead.
Bowen’s left-foot strike doubled West Ham’s lead midway through the first half. The Englishman’s third European goal of the season meant he equalled the Hammers’ all-time European goalscoring record, alongside club legends Johnny Bryne and David Cross on six.
Second Half Slump
The second half was fairly quiet until the 88th minute when Esposito was brought down by Ben Johnson in the box and the Italian converted the penalty.
Despite the late scare West Ham managed to maintain their 100% winning start in Europe, now needing only a point to secure first place in the group and spot in the last 16.
Crowd Trouble
With around 10 minutes to go rival fans threw flares and seats at each other, causing the police to intervene and keep them separated.
Anderlecht manager Felice Mazzu apologised to West Ham, saying post-match that ‘The incident will be looked into by UEFA and the club’.
Injury Woes
Despite the win West Ham are now faced with another defensive conundrum after both Angelo Ogbonna and Craig Dawson were forced off with injuries.
Ogbonna was the only recognised centre back that started tonight for the Hammers, however he had to be replaced in the 22nd minute due to a tight hamstring.
The Italian was replaced by Craig Dawson, who was also subbed off with 15 minutes to go. West Ham manager David Moyes said it was precautionary decision and Dawson should be fine.
“Craig Dawson had a dead leg which he actually got on [Sunday], that’s why he didn’t start tonight. He came on and got it in the same part again so we just didn’t take any risk with it.”
Both Thilo Kehrer and Kurt Zouma weren’t in the squad due to a knock and illness respectively. Moyes will be hoping both are ready to go for Sunday.
Return to Action
Speaking of Sunday, West Ham are back to league next as they travel at Southampton, looking to make it three wins in three.
