West Ham drew 2-2 versus Genk in Belgium, despite a late own goal from midfielder Tomas Soucek, to seal their place in the Europa League knockout stages. The Hammers now need one point from their remaining two fixtures to win Group H.
In a landmark match for West Ham boss David Moyes, who reached his 1,000th game in management, his side had to dig deep after a slow start left them trailing 1-0 after just four minutes. Genk winger Joseph Paintsil latched onto a fine through ball and finished past Hammers keeper Alphonse Areola who got a touch on the shot but couldn’t keep it out.
Brilliant Benrahma
West Ham were behind at the break but made a brighter start to the second half. Moyes’ side saw Said Benrahma equalise for West Ham just before the hour mark. In a well worked attacking move, Manuel Lanzini played in Vladimir Coufal down the right-hand side and the Czech international’s cut back was met by Benrahma who swept his finish through the keeper’s legs, putting the Hammers back in the game.
West Ham grew in confidence creating some decent opportunities to wrap up the game, namely Coufal’s effort, which was missed by inches, followed by a far post header from Craig Dawson, which went just wide of the post.
Then with just eight minutes to play, Benrahma grabbed his second of the night, scoring a stunning solo goal. The Algerian playmaker poked the ball past Genk defender Mujaid Sadick, using his pace to burst into the area and finish at the near post to put the Hammers in front, and they thought they’d be leaving with the three points.
Sorry from Soucek
However, with only three minutes remaining, joy turned to despair for the East London side, Soucek glanced a cross past Areola and into his own net. It was a freak own goal and the exciting game ended level. West Ham will rue missed chances and the poor first half performance, but they remain in control of Group H, four point clear at the top with Rapid Wien and Dinamo Zagreb to come.
Moyes’ Reaction
Despite being denied a win on his milestone night, Moyes was happy to see his side remain top and felt a draw was a fair result in the end.
“I think on reflection a draw is the right result” said the Scot speaking to BT Sport.
He added: “In the end we got two goals and it looked like it would be enough but for the own goal. Lots of credit to Genk.”
Next Up
West Ham face a difficult test on Sunday when they welcome Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool to the London Stadium.
In their last game before the international break, the Hammers will be hoping they can get a result and cause an upset against one of the favourites to win the Premier League title this season.
