Last update on. From the section European Football
Issa diop scored the first goal of the West Ham season
With victory over Genk, West Ham made a significant step towards the Europa League knockout stage. Forward Jarrod Bowen stated that "teams would be afraid of us".
David Moyes' team maintained their 100% record through three games. They comfortably hold Group H at the top, six points clear from Dinamo Zagreb in second place, who were defeated 2-1 at Rapid Vienna.
Although the Hammers held the most possession, they were barely in danger in the first half. Craig Dawson scored a header off Aaron Cresswell’s cross just before half-time.
They had total control of the game with just two minutes remaining before the hour mark.
Issa diop scored via the crossbar after another excellent Cresswell delivery. Jarrod Bowen came in from the right and shot in the goal shortly afterwards. However, Maarten Vandevoordt, the goalkeeper, will be disappointed that the low drive was not kept out.
Bowen stated to BT Sport that the main goal is to top the group. Home games are crucial. We also want to win away.
"If we are able to keep our confidence high and stay strong, then teams will fear us. This could be the team to watch. Only a few more games are needed to win the big cup.
"We will keep pushing. "We're winning games so that the players want to keep putting in the performances."
West Ham were dominant and Nikola Vlasic could've converted a quick fourth. However, his shot from the edge the six-yard box was blocked.
Genk will rue Paul Onuachu’s big chance in half one. He beat Alphonse Areola to the cross but his header was too high.
Europe continues to be impressed by Hammers
West Ham won a hard-fought win over Everton on Sunday. They then followed it up with another impressive performance in Europe, where they are building some momentum.
They placed sixth in the Premier League last season to earn a berth in this competition. Just one more win will secure a place in the final 16.
They were not able to win against Genk, who were champions of Belgium in 2019 and qualified for the Champions League.
The visitors thought they had made a great start with eight minutes left when Theo Bongonda shot in from close range. However, the attempt was disallowed in the build-up.
Onuachu, a Rangy striker who scored 35 goals last year, showed a warning sign about his aerial abilities when he headed across the stretch, before nodding wide when Areola came steaming past his line. But he didn't get anywhere near the ball.
Genk's best chance was that one, and the hosts punished them for not capitalising.
Tomas Soucek played the entire game despite having to undergo plastic surgery for a facial injury sustained against the Toffees. He saw Vandevoordt push a header away.
Bowen miscued Ben Johnson's low cross, then eight yards away, before centre-backs Dawson, Diop and Diop scored with headers either side.
On 58 minutes, the contest was effectively ended when Vandevoordt failed in his attempt to stop Bowen's shot that was directly at him.
Bowen answered a question about the competition and said that it meant everything. When I look back, I can recall scoring my first goal against Alfreton in 16/17.
"It is an incredible dream to be able to play in the Europa League. Every minute of it is a joy.
Moyes was able to take off Declan Rice and Cresswell as midfielders, while Daniel Chesters made his European debut. They will face Tottenham on Sunday (kickoff at 14:00 BST).
"Everyone looks forward to away trips"
Moyes, West Ham's boss, told BT Sport that it was close in the first half. Although I felt we were entitled to be in the lead, they also had a few half-chances. We were able to get the goals very quickly and made some adjustments and relaxed a bit.
"We don’t want to lose any goals. There were some great blocks in the second half, but also some scary moments. This is not what we want, but it's what the players deserve. It was crucial that the goal just before halftime was scored.
"We must go to Genk, Vienna. This is what everyone looks forward to: away trips for players, fans, and their families. It's still exciting, fresh, and we really enjoy it.
