George Overhill

Thu 25 August 2022 19:51, UK

West Ham finished the job against Viborg to confirm their place in the Europa Conference League with a comfortable 3-0 win, having led 3-1 from the first leg.

After a fast start from the hosts that had the Hammers on the back foot a 22nd-minute goal from big-money summer signing Gianluca Scamacca put them firmly in control with a three-goal aggregate lead.

Maxwel Cornet turned the ball through to Said Benrahma early in the second half and the Moroccan produced an unerring finish to put the tie to bed, before Tomas Soucek added a third from a rebound and Cornet then missed an guilt-edged chance to open his West Ham account.

Here, West Ham Zone rates the Irons players out of ten for their performances in Denmark.

Alphonse Areola – 7

Not heavily involved. Made a crucial double-save in the final minutes of the first half when Viborg got in too easily. Hadn’t been called into much action before that but a goal at that point could have changed the complexion of the tie.

Ben Johnson – 7

Looked understandably far more comfortable on the right, got forward early and often. Sent a number of nice-looking cross-field balls. Still some defensive question marks.

Thilo Kehrer – 5

Looked awkward. Perhaps unsurprisingly given the situation he’s been placed in the middle of at the back he still doesn’t appear settled yet as a Hammer. Played the attacking players onside just before the half when Areola was forced to make two stops, and fell over under one long ball. Went close with a nice header that led to Soucek’s goal.

Angelo Ogbonna – 8

Composed at the back. If he had been up to full fitness before the season began it is fair to wonder how the start could have gone so far. Not the strongest opposition but another encouraging performance as he returns from a major injury.

Aaron Cresswell – 5 (off for Zouma ’82)

Wearing the armband but not up to scratch. Too easy to get in behind him and could be looking over his shoulder at new-arrival Emerson Palmieri before long, with the Italian signed too late to feature here. Booked for a second-half scuffle with Ibrahim Said, but did put a lovely cross in for Kehrer that led to Soucek’s third.

Tomas Soucek – 6 (off for Downes ’68)

Not at his best, although he improved as West Ham took control of the game. Midfield was too easily bypassed at times with the Czech paired with Manuel Lanzini. Had a couple of nice offensive interventions, including the clipped cross that Scamacca expertly turned in for the opener.

Manuel Lanzini – 5 (off for Okoflex ’82)

With Declan Rice still suspended he was pressed into action in a deeper role, and his defensive deficiencies were laid bare. Outmuscled on a few occasions towards his own goal. Capable of spraying long passes from the withdrawn position though.

Maxwel Cornet – 5

Ridiculous and sublime. Energetic and busy from the start, closing down well, although his final product on the ball wasn’t quite right. Frustratingly close to having a telling impact on a number of occasions, but laid on a lovely assist for Benrahma’s goal by turning the ball on first time to leave him clean through. Missed an absolute sitter when he put one over the bar with an empty net gaping for what would have been his first West Ham goal. Knocked down a point just for how bad that was.

Pablo Fornals – 4

Quiet game, did very little of note. Overshadowed by most of his attacking teammates despite a beaten opposition leaving gaps in defence.

Said Benrahma – 9 (off for Coventry ’68) Man of the Match

Nice game from a player David Moyes often doesn’t seem sold on. Looked decent early but came into his own after the break. Scored a lovely, composed second, sweeping a finish into the far corner for his first of the season from a nice Cornet ball soon after half time. Returned the favour mid-way through the half, squaring for the Ivorian to tap into an open goal which he somehow missed. Position might be under threat if Lucas Paqueta arrives but was the pick here and likely would have had a hand in more goals if he’d stayed on.

Gianluca Scamacca – 8 (off for Antonio ’68)

Not perfect but found the net again and suggested there’s more to come. Looked strong and composed on the ball and flicked in a lovely opener at the near post to go with his goal from the first leg. Once he is fully up to speed he could be such an important player with the right service but wasn’t always in the right position to link up with midfield players.

Subs

Michail Antonio – 5 (on for Scamacca ’68)

Didn’t have much involvement aside from being booked for a swinging arm.

Flynn Downes – 6 (on for Soucek ’68)

Conor Coventry – 6 (on for Benrahma ’68)

Armstrong Okoflex – N/A (on for Lanzini ’82)

Kurt Zouma – N/A (on for Cresswell ’82)