Former West Ham player Hayden Mullins excited ahead of Lyon showdown
Ex-West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins believes the Irons definitely have what it takes to progress from their Europa League tie against Lyon.
The 43-year-old made 179 league appearances for the club in the centre of the park and believes the current midfield have the perfect attributes for David Moyes’ style of play.
And although he thinks the club have a great chance of success in this year’s competition, the former Colchester boss was also quick to point out that the mentality of the players has to be spot on.
“They haven’t achieved anything yet and I’m sure that group of players will reiterate that. They’re in a great position… I know they went a man down but drawing the first leg… it feels like a win the way the game finished,” he told Sky Sports News during a live broadcast (14th April).
“They’re facing a good side in Lyon. But it’s not one of the big, big clubs at the moment in form. West Ham are a really good side away from home and I feel like they’ve got the bit between their teeth at the moment.
“If they do get to the final they would’ve done it the hard way. If they come through this tie they would have to face Barcelona, what a story it would be.
New Ground
It’s remarkable to think how quickly West Ham have progressed since even as recently as the 2019/20 season, sacking Manuel Pellegrini after a disastrous run and only avoiding relegation by five points.
As Mullins points out they are now on the cusp of setting up a European semi-final against Catalan giants Barcelona.
David Moyes has to take a lot of the credit, moulding this side into an extremely physical and competitive outfit which has shown it can compete at the highest level.
Lyon will not make it easy for their visitors, but after securing a 1-1 draw in the first leg when down to 10 men, the Irons are seemingly in a good position to get the better of their French counterparts.
What a story it would if Moyes managed to take them all the way and dress the trophy in claret and blue.
In other West Ham news, this current ace has managed to avoid a driving ban despite various incidents.
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