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match report: Lucas Paqueta scored the game-winning goal for West Ham, which is given credit by VAR after it was first judged to be offside; With two games remaining against Backa Topola and Freiburg, Hammers lead Group A of the Europa League; Olympiakos misses a huge late chance when Mady Camara hits the post.
Lucas Paqueta struck the winner for West Ham but only after the VAR intervened to earn a crucial 1-0 victory over Olympiakos in the Europa League.
Although David Moyes’ team will be playing in Europe come January, they only need a point from their final two games against Freiburg and Backa Topola to finish at least second in Group A and four to secure top spot.
Before James Ward-Prowse’s accurate pass over the opposition defense in the 73rd minute was volleyed home by Pacqueta, who was initially called offside before the VAR intervened, West Ham was unable to break through Olympiakos.
Late in the game, Mady Camara’s header from close range against the post after a corner should have given the visitors a point.
How West Ham edged past Olympiakos
Group A was very much in the balance at the London Stadium, and Said Benrahma attempted to excite the sell-out crowd with a bending shot into the top right corner that Alexandros Paschalakis had to push behind.
Nayef Aguerd, the center-back for West Ham, caused havoc at three corners, throwing two headers wide and one directly at the goalkeeper.
Paschalakis denied Benrahma once more, while Lukasz Fabianski was unfazed at the other end, only letting Daniel Podence’s volley veer wide.
Despite creating fewer opportunities, the hosts were more patient with the ball in the second half. The single shot on goal for West Ham came from Ward-Prowse in the 63rd minute, but Paqueta broke the tie.
Paqueta’s delightful first-time volley greeted Ward-perfect Prowse’s pass; his celebrations were stopped short by the offside flag, but they were reignited by the VAR.
However, late in the game, Jackson Porozo’s flick on a corner saw Camara, who was unmarked, bend to head the ball against the left post, letting West Ham off.
Moyes: Paqueta goal made up for errors
West Ham manager David Moyes commented on the match to TNT Sports, saying, “I’m really pleased with the result because that was the most important thing for us. We didn’t play as well as we would have liked, but Olympiakos is a decent team, an experienced European team that is accustomed to competing in these types of matches – more so than we are.”
“We created the better chances, and they didn’t have many opportunities to score. Towards the end, it got a bit nervy a couple of times, but aside from that, we controlled most of the game.”
“James (Ward-Prowse) delivered a lovely ball for the goal, and the finish was excellent. We had two or three chances that we didn’t capitalize on. In these games, you don’t get too many opportunities.”
“Fortunately, Lucas (Paqueta) came through with the goal. I’m pleased with him as well because there are many things he does that often go unnoticed. He had some moments tonight that weren’t as good as I would have liked, but the goal made up for it.”
‘Ward-Prowse should be recognised by Southgate’
Hayden Mullins of Sky Sports: “It was a difficult evening for West Ham.” Olympiakos made it difficult for West Ham by executing their game plan so efficiently that they had few genuine opportunities. They were unable to generate any momentum.
But after almost 70 minutes, they scored an incredible goal. It’s a really enjoyable play. James Ward-Prowse does a wonderful job executing the pass. a little backspin before releasing it on a line on the 18-yard box, above the defense. He is a highly skilled technician.
It’s difficult for Ward-Prowse that Gareth Southgate doesn’t recognize him more. Each set-play is consistently accurate. He works so hard at everything he does. Amazing athlete.”
Opta Stats: Paqueta delivers in Europe again
- West Ham has won all nine of its home games in all European competitions in the past nine days. With nine wins, the Hammers have now surpassed Manchester City as the English teams with the most wins in European play since the beginning of the previous season with eight.
- In three encounters with English teams in European competitions, Olympiakos have never lost (W2). In all competitions, the Greek team has never defeated such opponents three games in a row.
- In his previous eight appearances in European competition, Lucas Paqueta has contributed directly to seven goals (four goals, three assists), scoring in his last three of these contests.
- After going six games without an assist in all competitions, James Ward-Prowse recorded one in this one. This season, the West Ham midfielder has assisted seven times in all competitions; no other Premier League player has recorded more assists.
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