Joe Cole fires warning at West Ham United after what he saw v Gent in Europa Conference League
Joe Cole branded West Ham “lucky” following the 1-1 draw with Gent in the Europa Conference League quarter-final first leg on Thursday evening, as reported by The Independent.
The former Hammers and England attacker was damning in his assessment of the performance from David Moyes’ men, in Belgium.
He believes that the result was favourable, with plenty of work still required to get the job done at the London Stadium next week.
Speaking live on BT Sport, as relayed, Cole stated following the game at the Ghelamco Arena: “We’re lucky it’s still in our hands.”
“There was not enough intensity in the play. For a lot of these players, this is as close as they will ever come to winning a European trophy.
“West Ham have got away with one tonight.”
Still in control
Cole is right, to an extent. It was far from a vintage away performance in Europe, but sometimes you need a bit of luck and that is what transpired.
The Hammers were on the ropes at times as the hosts pushed for a lead but they did not prevail. West Ham is still in control of the tie ahead of the decider in London next week.
If you would have offered a draw before the game, not too many would have refused it knowing that home advantage and the support of the fans is to follow.
It also has to be said that Gent put in a very decent shift on their own patch, in what was their eighth consecutive unbeaten game.
Overall, Moyes should be confident of his side securing a semi-final spot as long as the players can truly rise to the occasion with more tempo and tenacity required in the second leg.
In other West Ham news, these BT Sports commentators were left worried as an injury ‘concern’ emerged v Gent.