West Ham vs SC Freiburg: West Ham achieved their largest European victory by defeating Freiburg, reversing the outcome from the first leg and advancing to their third consecutive quarter-final.
David Moyes, recalling their previous comeback victory against Sevilla at this phase two seasons earlier, witnessed a similar result.
However, this time, the tension that filled the air during the match against the Spanish team was absent, as West Ham secured the win within the first hour against a lackluster Freiburg team.
Lucas Paqueta quickly equalized the aggregate score only nine minutes into the game, capitalizing on Tomas Soucek’s flick at the near post to score.
Jarrod Bowen added to his impressive season tally with his 18th goal, putting West Ham in the lead on aggregate shortly after thirty minutes.
Aaron Cresswell, the seasoned defender, broke his near two-year goal drought when the Freiburg defense gave him ample room to score.
Although the match was effectively over, Mohammed Kudus still made a significant impact, scoring twice in the last fifteen minutes, sealing West Ham’s record-breaking win under Moyes since his December 2019 return.
The team has notched an impressive total of 26 European wins in their last three campaigns under Moyes, surpassing their historical total of 25, which includes victories in the Intertoto Cup.
West Ham will find their next opponents in the quarter-finals by noon Friday.
On a day that proved disappointing for England prospect Kalvin Phillips, who was left out of Gareth Southgate’s selection and then omitted from David Moyes’ starting eleven within just three hours, Jarrod
Bowen made strides in bolstering his case for a spot at Euro 2024.
Bowen missed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar due to a dip in form before the tournament. Still, he ended the 2022-23 season on a high note by netting a decisive late goal in the Europa Conference League final, securing his club’s spot in European competitions for the third year running.
His goal in the first half marked his first European score of the season.
Adapting to a wide position to make room for Michail Antonio’s return, Bowen showcased his acumen by weaving through the defense and knocking down a defender before firing a low shot with his left foot into the corner of the net.
This season, such moments have become a regular occurrence for Bowen, demonstrating his versatility and prowess both as a central attacker and in wide positions.
His outstanding performance makes it difficult for Southgate to leave him out of the England squad heading to Germany.
Beyond scoring, Bowen, a former Hull City player, impresses with his incredible work rate and team spirit.
At 27, Bowen also set up the play for Cresswell, allowing him to score his first goal since April 2022 with a well-timed assist.
After a red card incident in a Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt two years ago and being sidelined during the Europa Conference League final, 34-year-old Cresswell is eager to leave a mark this season more than ever.
Though his season has been inconsistent, Mohammed Kudus showcased his exceptional skill with two late high-quality goals.
His first goal resulted from a dynamic charge through midfield, eluding Freiburg’s defense and finishing with a precise curling shot.
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His celebration, featuring the iconic sitting on a plastic stool, was as memorable as the goal itself.
His second goal was a powerful strike, leaving Freiburg’s keeper, Noah Atubolu, without saving it. This evening dispels doubts concerning Moyes and his tenure at West Ham.
Moyes made bold lineup choices, including Antonio, who presented a challenge that was too great for Freiburg’s defense.
Bowen and Kudus shone on the flanks, while Paqueta wreaked havoc by finding and exploiting open spaces.
At the game’s conclusion, Moyes acknowledged the fans from all around the stadium, a significant turnout despite the early start.
The fans reciprocated with warm applause. It has sometimes been rocky sailing. A victory over Brentford 4-2 three weeks prior had broken a streak of eight games without a win, a period highlighted by a demoralizing 6-0 defeat to Arsenal and a game against Nottingham Forest where fans displayed a “Moyes Out” banner.
Yet, this night was one for celebration, hinting at brighter prospects. Surely, such outcomes will weigh heavily on Moyes as he contemplates his future with the club after the season ends.