‘Great result’ cheers David Moyes as West Ham have another good European night
West Ham United manager David Moyes applauds the fans following victory after the UEFA Europa League Group A match at the London Stadium, London. Picture date: Thursday November 9, 2023.
David Moyes was thrilled to get West Ham’s Europa League campaign back on track after Lucas Paqueta’s goal secured a 1-0 victory over Olympiacos.
The Brazil midfielder crashed in a second-half volley to keep the Hammers on top of Group A and to the brink of qualifying for the knockout stages.
Moyes’ side are also guaranteed European football after Christmas with the worst-case scenario a third-placed finish meaning a return to the Europa Conference League and a chance to defend the trophy they won last season.
They enjoyed a measure of revenge, too, having accused the Greek team of celebrating their 2-1 win in the reverse fixture two weeks ago as if they had won the Europa League itself.
Not only that, but West Ham have now won their last nine home games in Europe since the start of last season, one more than Manchester City.
“We were disappointed to lose our record of 17 unbeaten two weeks ago against Olympiacos, so it’s good to get back on track,” said Moyes.
“We’re top of the group, we still have two matches to play but at the moment I think this is the hardest group we’ve had, in our third year in it, and it’s proved to be the case. We’ve done the job tonight. It’s a great result for us.
“Europe has been great for this football club, we’ve had some great nights and long may they continue.”
Paqueta, the best player on the pitch, broke the deadlock in the 74th minute after Bowen’s square pass found James Ward-Prowse.
The former Southampton midfielder chipped the ball forward into the area for Paqueta to fire home on the volley.
Lucas
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