West Ham nearly sealed their place within the quarter-finals of the Europa Convention League with a 2-0 win towards AEK Larnaca in Cyprus.
Two targets from the much-mourned Michail Antonio took the strain off David Moyes after final weekend’s embarrassing loss to Brighton, though his facet have been all the time anticipated to win towards the Cypriot minnows.
Whereas Antonio impressed on his return to the facet, contributing to 2 spectacular finishes on Thursday night time, it was arguably Mentioned Benrahma who was Moyes’ star performer towards Larnaca.
How did Benrahma carry out towards Larnaca?
Based on Sofascore, the Algerian worldwide would get a formidable 8.2/10 for his efficiency which was the perfect of any participant to characteristic within the match for either side.
The previous Brentford man was instrumental within the Hammers’ opener as he despatched Larnaca straight to the shops earlier than whipping up a scrumptious cross, which Antonio solely needed to drive dwelling.
Who was West Ham’s finest participant tonight?
It was simply considered one of two huge possibilities the 27-year-old would create on Thursday, with Antonio lacking an opportunity for his hat-trick when he hit the put up within the second half.
Benrahma regarded extraordinarily assured in possession and harmful each time he obtained the ball, finishing 24 of his 27 cross makes an attempt with an 89% success price, which was an enchancment on his common 84.6% within the Premier League to this point this season.
The broad man, who touched the ball 42 instances, performed two key passes, recorded three pictures and accomplished 4 dribbles in complete, once more a major enchancment from 1.4 key passes, 1, 9 pictures and 1.5 dribbles he has averaged within the prime flight.
It was a shock when Moyes determined to tug him off simply after the hour mark as he additionally helped on defence, successful six of his seven duels on the night time and making two tackles which once more is spectacular being on condition that he managed 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 obtained enormous reward from Joe Cole final season after a strong efficiency towards Genk.
Cole stated on BT Sport (through Learn West Ham): Tonight he was unplayable at instances. Unbelievable, that is how good he’s, as quickly as he noticed the defender and squared him up he knew he was in management. The end was beautiful.
West Ham followers might be hoping the choice to exchange Benrahma was merely to relaxation him forward of Sunday’s huge sport towards Aston Villa, the place a defeat will certainly finish Moyes on the London Stadium.
