Jarrod Bowen and Maxwel Cornet both scored in West Ham’s win
(Picture: PA)West Ham claimed a key two-goal lead over Viborg in the first leg of their Europa Conference League play-off tie.
A slow start from the Hammers was punctured by Gianluca Scamacca’s towering header for his first West Ham goal, before Jarrod Bowen made it two after the break.
Although Viborg got back in it late on, there was still time for Michail Antonio to re-establish the hosts’ cushion at London Stadium.
A 3-1 win sets them on course for the group stages ahead of the return leg in Denmark next week.
Here’s how David Moyes’ side rated at the London Stadium...
Alphonse Areola - 6
Untested in the first-half but made a smart block to deny Jay-Roy Grot at the start of the second. No chance with goal.
Harrison Ashby - 6
Played a little safe at times in the first half but grew in confidence and went close with terrific strike.
Ben Johnson - 6
Another outing at centre-half, though the return of [Angelo] Ogbonna and arrival of Thilo Kehrer should bring an end to those soon. Expansive range of passing on show, if not always accurate.
Think West Ham need another goal? Step up, Jarrod Bowen! 💫#UECL pic.twitter.com/kdBkiasElH
— Football on BT Sport (@btsportfootball) August 18, 2022
Angelo Ogbonna - 6
Captained the side on first appearance since November after an ACL injury. Return is a big boost.
Vladimir Coufal - 6
Shifted to left-back to accommodate Ashby with minimum of fuss until being well beaten in the air for Viborg goal.
Conor Coventry - 6
Has been tipped for a breakthrough this season and was tidy enough in the middle of the park. Qualification for group stage will be vital for his game time and development.
Tomas Soucek - 6
Flicked a header on target but never dominant in midfield.
Jarrod Bowen - 7
Things have not quite clicked for the winger so far this season but goal was a throwback to his terrific form last term.
Manuel Lanzini - 5
Buzzy enough in the first-half without creating much before being replaced in what looked a planned switch at half-time.
Maxwel Cornet - 8
Has been brought in to provide goals and assists and terrific wing play set up Scamacca opener. Went close with acrobatic effort late on in impressive display.
Gianluca Scamacca - 7
Header to open scoring could be a glimpse of what is to come. On his heels on a couple of occasions.
Substitutes
Pablo Fornals (Lanzini 46’) - 6
Impressed in No10 role at Nottingham Forest and produced a better half than Lanzini here.
Michail Antonio (Scamacca 66’) - 7
A simple goal but a big one for the Jamaican after Scamacca had opened his account.
Thilo Kehrer (Ogbonna 66’) - 6
On for his debut and will hope to feature from start against Brighton.
Said Benrahma (Bowen 66’) - 7
Has made a fine start to the season and brilliant play set up the goal that has West Ham firmly in control of this tie.
Flynn Downes (Coventry 84’) - N/A
Subs unused: Trott, Randolph, Zouma, Oko-Flex, Ekwah, Baptiste, Chesters.
