West Ham all however secured their place within the Europa Convention League quarter-finals as they eased to a 2-0 victory over AEK Larnaca in Cyprus.
Two objectives from the much-lamented Michail Antonio eased the strain on David Moyes after final weekend’s embarrassing defeat to Brighton, though his facet have been at all times anticipated to win towards the Cypriot minnows.
Whereas Antonio impressed on his return to the facet and contributed two spectacular finishes on Thursday evening, it was undoubtedly Mentioned Benrahma who was Moyes’ star towards Larnaca.
How did Benrahma carry out towards Larnaca?
Based on Sofascore, the Algeria worldwide would obtain a powerful score of 8.2/10 for his efficiency, which was the perfect of any participant to characteristic within the sport from both facet.
The previous Brentford man was instrumental within the Hammers’ opener, sending Larnaca proper again into enterprise earlier than whipping in a pleasant cross, which Antonio merely needed to head dwelling.
Who was West Ham’s greatest participant tonight?
This was simply certainly one of two large probabilities the 27-year-old would create on Thursday, with Antonio lacking an opportunity on his hat-trick when he hit the publish within the second half.
Benrahma appeared extraordinarily assured in possession and harmful each time he obtained the ball, finishing 24 of his 27 tried passes with an 89% success price, an enchancment on his 84.6% common within the Premier League to date this season.
The large man, who touched the ball on 42 events, performed two key passes, registered three photographs and accomplished 4 dribbles in whole, once more a major enchancment on the 1.4 key passes, 1.9 photographs and 1.5 dribbles he has averaged within the prime flight .
It was one thing of a shock when Moyes determined to take him off simply after the hour mark as he additionally contributed in defence, profitable six of his seven duels on the evening and finishing two tackles, which once more is spectacular given his success with simply 0.7 tackles per sport within the Premier League.
It wasn’t the primary time the Algerian winger has impressed in Europe, as he additionally earned enormous reward from Joe Cole final season after a powerful efficiency towards Genk.
Cole stated on BT Sport (through Learn West Ham): Tonight he was unplayable at instances. Wonderful, that is how good he’s, as quickly as he noticed the defender and squared him he knew he had the state of affairs beneath management. The end was beautiful.”
West Ham followers might be hoping the choice to drop Benrahma was merely to relaxation him forward of Sunday’s large sport towards Aston Villa, the place defeat will certainly spell the top for Moyes on the London Stadium.
