West Ham United won their ninth consecutive match in this season's Europa Conference League with a 2-0 round of 16 first leg victory over Cypriot side AEK Larnaca.
Two goals at the end of the first half from Michail Antonio sealed victory for David Moyes' side and gives them a healthy lead going into next week's second leg.
Here is how football.london's West Ham United writer Jonty Colman rated the Hammers’ players against the Guardians.
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Alphonse Areola
Alphonse Areola was one of two West Ham players to keep up their record of starting every match in this season's Europa Conference League alongside midfielder Manuel Lanzini. Although Larnaca threatened on multiple occasions early on, the Frenchman was hardly tested directly. Had a couple of saves to make after half-time, but they were largely either routine stops or efforts from range, barring a late volley from substitute Ivan Trickovski, which needed a good save. A needed clean sheet after conceding seven in his last two outings. 7
Thilo Kehrer
After missing the 4-0 defeat to Brighton and Hove Albion through illness, German international defender Thilo Kehrer was both back in the squad and back in the starting XI, replacing Ben Johnson as one of seven chances from Brighton. Larnaca were causing problems down their left at times in the first half as Kehrer was caused some problems by Rafa Lopes and Marin Jakolis. His struggles continued in the second half and he was one of two players booked. While he did make some needed blocks, looked like a weak area on the pitch for West Ham throughout. 5
Kurt Zouma
French centre-back Kurt Zouma came on against Brighton with Angelo Ogbonna taken off as an injury precaution but was back in the XI for his first start from suffering with a thigh injury and his first start in the Europa Conference League this season. Forced into a lot more than many would have expected before kick-off, certainly in the first 30 minutes. His partnership with Aguerd helped managed to allay fears at the back when Larnaca threatened West Ham's back line. Barring a mix-up at the back which he and Aguerd got away with midway through the second half, he had a really solid display in his first European start of the season. Needed his defended in the first and final thirds of the game. 6
Nayef Aguerd
Alongside Areola, Moroccan centre-back Nayef Aguerd was one of only four players to keep their place in the side from the loss at Brighton, playing next to Zouma for the first time from the off in a back four this season. Like Zouma, he had to use his pace, positional knowhow and aerial ability plenty early on as Larnaca showed promise. Looked comfortable though when tested like Zouma, despite those in front of him looking less so at times. Continued as per usual with his smart runs to stop Larnaca's attacks. Like Zouma next to him, did what he had to. 7
Aaron Cresswell
Vice-captain Aaron Cresswell found himself recalled following a spell out of the team that has seen Emerson, Johnson and Kehrer all preferred to him in the Premier League at times. Like Kehrer, much of Larnaca's promising signs came from out wide and Cresswell was forced into plenty of defending with mixed results. Tried to get forward on occasion and make things happen going forward, although the few crosses he did manager were off their intended target. Both of West Ham's full-backs struggles and Larnaca's crosses aimed at the back post created causes for concern and a few nervy moments for Cresswell. Better than Kehrer on the other side, though. 6
Flynn Downes
Midfielder Flynn Downes was given a start next to Declan Rice, with much of his game time this season to date coming in the Europa Conference League. Moved the ball around well at times, including as part of the move for Antonio's superb second goal. Not his best outing though, and a second half booking for the former Swansea City man means he is now suspended for the second leg in a week's time. 6
Declan Rice
Although Moyes largely rotated the pack, captain Declan Rice was one of the few left in tasked with galvanizing the best out of a rotated team. Had the odd occasion of being caught in possession early on but improved as his hour progressed. Provided a good assist for Antonio's second goal, his second of the game. Taken off after an hour, with a Premier League clash with Aston Villa less than 72 hours away. 7
Manuel Lanzini (Star man)
Also continuing his record of starting every Europa Conference League match this seasn with Argentine playmaker Manuel Lanzini, who has scored two penalties in this competition so far this term. West Ham's best on the night. Really good on the ball and his cleverness and quick feet created a lot of West Ham's positives on the night. His shot from the edge of the penalty area after half an hour that went just wide was West Ham's first chance of note and got the ball rolling after a woeful start. Good at breaking through Larnaca's lines and his positioning and presence, as well as dribbling led to him playing Benrhama through on the left side early in the second half which led to Antonio hitting the post. 7
Pablo Fornals
In West Ham's last Europan match, Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals was on the scoresheet twice during the 3-0 win over Romanian outfit FCSB, half of his tally for the season to date in all competitions ahead of kick-off. An okay performance from Fornals. Started slow, but like many, grew in confidence after Antonio's opener, going close with a shot of his own from distance before half-time. Played most of the game as a right winger in Jarrod Bowen's absence before briefly switching to the left and then coming off towards the end. 6
Michail Antonio
Striker Michail Antonio led the line after missing the trip to Brighton with concerns over a hamstring issue. His last start saw him squander two golden chances to be an FA Cup hero at Old Trafford, taking neither. Was really struggling in the first 35 minutes of the game, like much of his colleagues, but gave the visitors the all-important opener when heading in Said Benrahma's cross. Doubled the lead and his own goal tally for the night on the stroke of half-time, finishing superbly from 20 yards out with a bending finish into the top corner, his first brace since August 2022. Came close to a perfect hat-trick at the start of the second half, seeing a left-footed shot crash off the inside of the post after good work from Benrahma and Lanzini. Taken off with a slight concern over his calf after an hour. Now West Ham's top scorer for the season with nine in all competitions. 7
Said Benrahma
Moyes found himself under criticism from supporters at Brighton when taking off winger Said Benrahma at half-time at the Amex Stadium, but the Algerian forward found himself still in the starting 11 in Larnaca. In a West Ham side the really lacked imagination in the opening half, Benrahma was arguably the only bright spark going forward, showing his potential threat when jinking past three Larnaca players and getting the game's first shot on goal in from a tight angle. It was merely minutes later when his cross from the left found an unmarked Antonio, who headed in the opener. The duo linked up again early in the second half as Antonio's shot hit the post. One of three taken off after an hour, a good showing ahead of Villa on Sunday. 7
Substitutes
Jarrod Bowen
There was a rare mini rest of sorts for Jarrod Bowen, whose introduction off the bench was part of a triple change on the hour mark. Was on the wrong end of a few fouls early in the second half and gave Larnaca's left side something to think about when he was introduced. 6
Tomas Soucek
With skipper Rice playing for an hour, one of his midfield colleagues Tomas Soucek replaced him for the final third. Struggled at first but made a few important interceptions towards the end and his defensive qualities were called upon. 6
Gianluca Scamacca
With Antonio having some concerns over his calf, Gianluca Scamacca was given 30 minutes in his place at the end. Looks short of minutes and not as the flashes the Italian showed, particularly in this competition, earlier this season. Seems to be behind Danny Ings and Antonio in the pecking order. 5
Lucas Paqueta
Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta was given most of a night off, replacing Lanzini with just over ten minutes remaining. Should have scored his first European goal of the season when clean through on goal off Cornet's pass, but shot straight at the goalkeeper. N/A
Maxwel Cornet
There was a late outing for Maxwel Cornet in place of Fornals for eight minutes, his first appearance for the first-team since October 1 after five months out with a calf injury. A stunning turn and pass played Paqueta in on goal which he did not take. N/A
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