On target: Gianluca Scamacca once again delivered for West Ham in Europe
(Picture: PA)West Ham took a major step towards reaching the knockout stages of the Europa Conference League as they beat Anderlecht 1-0.
Gianluca Scamacca added to his European tally, coming off the bench to net the winner with just over ten minutes remaining with what proved to be the only goal of the match.
It leaves the Hammers top of Group B with maximum points from their opening three matches, five points ahead of Anderlecht in second.
Here’s how David Moyes‘ side rated in Belgium...
Alphonse Areola 8
Beat away one shot from the lively Yari Verscharen, then unworked until making a stunning late stop from Silva.
Ben Johnson 6
Rarely lets anyone down but looked a touch rusty on return from injury.
Craig Dawson 7
So assured. Positioning superb, reads the game brilliantly and only once left isolated against Fabio Silva, when he monstered the youngster with great strength.
Angelo Ogbonna 6
Made vital recovery to deny Silva in first-half, then had to take yellow on the edge of his own box after mix-up almost saw the same player run through late on.
Vladimir Coufal 5
One of several previous mainstays now facing a battle for his place after the arrival of reinforcements in the summer. A solid showing at wing-back, but lacked quality going forward.
Flynn Downes 8
Opportunities have been few and far between since summer arrival but looks a tidy, tenacious player. Grew in confidence as the game progressed.
Manuel Lanzini 5
Some cute touches in deeper role but not really able to offer much on the creative front. Telling that he was withdrawn ahead of Downes when Moyes turned to Rice.
Emerson Palmieri 5
Delivery largely poor and occasionally caught out of position as Anderlecht found joy in behind down the right.
Jarrod Bowen 7
Another display to suggest the winger is nearing his best after a sluggish start to the season, though faded in second half.
Michail Antonio 5
Blazed high and wide when slipped in by Benrahma, while one headed effort was so bad it actually teed up a decent chance for Bowen.
Said Benrahma 4
One of those frustrating nights for the Algerian. Drew touchline fury of Moyes on several occasions in first-half, most notably when blazing over from Bowen cutback with goal gaping.
Substitutes
Declan Rice (Lanzini 70’) 6
Gianluca Scamacca (Antonio 70’) 8
Took his goal brilliantly on the swivel. Looks such an upgrade.
Lucas Paqueta (Benrahma 70’) 7
Immediately central to the Hammers play after introduction, demanding the ball, and set up winner.
Pablo Fornals (Bowen 86’)
Unused: Fabianski, Randolph, Cresswell, Zouma, Kehrer, Coventry, Scarles, Soucek.
