West Ham United booked their place in the group stages of the Europa Conference League with a 3-0 (6-1 on aggregate) victory over Danish side Viborg.
Gianluca Scamacca opened the scoring when converting a Tomas Soucek cross in the first half before Said Benrahma, and Soucek rounded off what ended to be a convincing away win for the Hammers in Denmark.
Here is how Football.London’s West Ham United writer Jonty Colman rated the Hammers’ players against their Danish opponents.
READ MORE: West Ham’s hopes of signing Lyon’s Lucas Paqueta dented after bid rejected amid Arsenal links
Alphonse Areola
Alphonse Areola was back in goal in his role as cup goalkeeper and, despite a largely quiet first half, was forced into a brilliant double save on the brink of half-time, first denying Jay-Roy Grot and then Justin Lonwijk moments later. Had a really quiet second half with the Hammers really taking control after the break, but his saves came at a crucial time to maintain the Hammers' three-goal advantage going into the second half. 7
Ben Johnson
Ben Johnson was back in the side in his natural position at right-back with Vladimir Coufal missing due to concussion protocols. Early on, Johnson attacked really well down the right side to get forward and cause problems going forward, and it was one of those runs that led to the opening goal. He teed up Soucek, whose low cross was buried by Scamacca. Solid defensively and made life tricky for Viborg's defence throughout. 7
Thilo Kehrer
A week ago, Thilo Kehrer made his West Ham debut from the bench in the first leg just a day after signing and played a role in the build-up to Michail Antonio's goal. Starting four days after giving away a penalty in the defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion on his full debut, Kehrer was solid in the first half, and despite facing a Viborg side who gave the Hammers a proper game, he showed his quality to get rid of chances that the hosts had. A really solid second-half display that saw him almost score at the end of the cross, which was saved before Soucek tapped in. 7
Angelo Ogbonna
Italian centre-back Angelo Ogbonna was back in the back four for a second game running, making his comeback appearance in the first leg a week ago. He was more composed in his battle with Grot, who forced him into a few fouls a week ago. Perhaps got caught out a bit easily once or twice via through balls, with Viborg getting more joy down the Hammers' left side. A full 90 minutes, he looked stronger as the game progressed and ended the game as captain. 7
Aaron Cresswell
Captain for the night was Aaron Cresswell, in the absence of Declan Rice. Like Rice, Cresswell missed the first leg through suspension. Long-term, his spot at left-back looks under threat following Emerson's £13million arrival and against Viborg, he had some difficulties. Marking Ibrahim Said, who did not have a visa for the first leg, Cresswell struggled at times, and David Moyes was not best pleased with him on a few occasions when opting to pass inside as opposed to working the ball down the line to Pablo Fornals. Booked for a coming together with Said in the second half, having been sent off in his previous two appearances in Europe. Later made up for earlier errors when his cross eventually led to the Hammers' third goal of the night. 6
Tomas Soucek
Czech Republic midfielder Soucek is the only player to start every game this season in all competitions and, in the first half, played a big role in the opening goal, with his cross being tucked away by Scamacca. Good positioning to break up play, with an interception leading to an earlier Scamacca chance. Added to his assist after the break with a close-range goal to open his account for the season when Kehrer's header from a Cresswell cross was parried in his path. Take off shortly after that, a pretty good contribution all in all. 8
Manuel Lanzini
A bit of a mixed bag from Manuel Lanzini, playing largely in a deeper role. On the ball, quick at moving it and starting the Hammers on transition in playing forward. Overran at times when defending in the first half but got to show his creativity, especially in the second half. A solid display, where technical quality proved to be key for the visitors. 7
Maxwel Cornet
Maxwel Cornet was part of an attacking midfield trio who were very fluid in rotating behind Gianluca Scamacca, using pace and directness where possible. A clever pass on the volley from home set up Benrahma's goal to make it 2-0 off a Scamacca header. Really should have opened his account late on when Benrahma squared it to him, but he turned over from close range at an open goal, although it bobbled in his path. A full 90 minutes for him and more chance for confidence to grow. 7
Pablo Fornals
Pablo Fornals was really influential, and while he did not directly impact the goals themselves, it was his calmness, and ability to keep the ball and consistently run and threaten the hosts that often got West Ham back out of tight spots. Linked up well with Manuel Lanzni behind him and would have pleased Moyes with that showing. 7
Said Benrahma
Benrahma opened his account for the season in the second half when slotting home after being put through on goal brilliantly by Cornet. Really unselfish later on to return the favour to Cornet, only for the Ivorian to miss when it seemed easier for him to score. Expect him to keep his place against Aston Villa with plenty of trickery. Not a complete performance but pleasing. 7
Gianluca Scamacca (Star man)
Another start and another goal from Scamacca, who really strutted his stuff. Having gone close twice early on with half chances, the Italian opened proceedings with a really clever finish at the near post. He then flicked on an Areola goal-kick to Cornet that created the second goal. Held up the ball brilliantly once again before playing in Benrahma in the chance Cornet wasted. Good in the box, a threat when played, but also very good on the ball and at holding up play and dropping in. A big step closer to that full Premier League debut. 8
Substitutes
Michail Antonio
An impressive performance up front from Scamacca led to him being replaced by Michail Antoion for the final quarter of the game. Very quiet when coming on, although the Hammers were 6-1 up at this point, barring one miss-hit shot that failed to threaten. Booked for a challenge Brix late on. 5
Flynn Downes
There was a European away debut for Flynn Downes, partnering Conor Coventry in the heart of midfield as part of a triple switch. This competition could be a good avenue to integrate him into the side, with six group games to come in less than three months. 5
Conor Coventry
There was also a runout in midfield for Coventry alongside Downes. Ran about and made himself tough in tackling. 5
Kurt Zouma
Kurt Zouma was bought on for the final portion to replace Cresswell, a large rest for him ahead of Sunday's trip to Aston Villa. N/A
Armstrong Okoflex
There was a first-team debut for Armstrong Okoflex with just under ten minutes to go in place of Lanzini. N/A
READ NEXT:
Hans Vanaken makes West Ham transfer claim ahead of ‘new talks’ with Club Brugge over exit
Europa Conference League group stage draw: West Ham’s potential opponents, date and format
Every word David Moyes had to say about West Ham transfers, Lucas Paqueta and Europe
David Moyes confirms bid for Arsenal target as West Ham make offer for Lucas Paqueta
West Ham Q&A: Transfers, David Moyes, poor form, Lucas Paqueta, Emerson and more
