AEK LARNACA vs WEST HAM, who have been struggling in the Premier League under David Moyes this aek larnaca vs west ham, are on track to reach the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League after a 2-0 win in Cyprus over AEK in their first-leg round-of-16 match on Thursday night. Michail Anthony’s two goals proved to be the difference in the first leg of their round-of-16 tie. The return leg will take place in London.
Michail Anthony scored twice to give West Ham a 2-0 victory in Cyprus over AEK in the Europa Conference League.
West Ham scored after 36 minutes, following a slow start. Said Benrahma sent in a brilliant cross, and Antonio headed it home with aplomb.
Antonio scored again in less than 10 minutes. He was about 20 yards away when he received the ball and used the defender to create a great curling effort.
Antonio’s hat-trick was denied just two minutes after the break. His left-footed effort bounced off the post and returned to play. This goal would have put him at the top of West Ham’s list of all-time European top scorers.
In the second AEK LARNACA vs WEST HAM, the Hammers were never seriously troubled by the hosts. They pushed on in search of an equalizer to keep things interesting. David Moyes and his team put on a professional performance, winning the match without ever having to leave first gear.
TALKING POINT: A PLATFORM ON WHICH TO BUILD
West Ham United’s European adventures this season have provided a nice distraction. The form of West Ham United in Europe this season has been a welcome distraction from the Premier League. This controlled and professional performance will give West Ham the confidence they need to compete in the Premier League. West Ham was able to use all five subs, giving minutes to players who hadn’t played as much and resting those who had. They are just one point away from the relegation zones in their domestic league and will desperately hope to carry over their European form for Sunday’s match against Aston Villa.
PLAYER OF MATCH – MICHAIL ANONIA (WEST HAMP UNITED).
Michail’s two magical moments were the difference in the match. West Ham fans are sure to watch his first AEK LARNACA vs WEST HAM, an expertly taken head shot. His second goal is a curling finish. Antonio’s professionalism helped West Ham win a match in which they didn’t need to play anything more than professional.
PLAYER RATINGS
AEK Larnaca Piric 6, Casas 6, Milicevic 7, Ledes 7, Mamas6, Rosales 6, Oier6, Jakolis 6, Lopes six Subs Christoforou 6, Altman6, Faraj 6, Trickovski6, Nikolics six AEK LARNACA vs WEST HAM: Areola 7, Cresswell 7, Aguerd 7, Zouma 7, Kehreh 7, Downes 7, Rice 7, Benrahma 8, Lanzini 7, Fornals 7, Antonio 8 Subs: Bowen 6, Soucek 7, Paqueta 5, Cornet 6, Scamacca .
MATCH HIGHLIGHTS
WIDE OF THE TAG! West Ham has their first real opportunity of the match. Antonio plays brilliantly, finding Fornals. Fornals then passes it to Lanzini. His shot is wide. The visitors are encouraged.
WEST HAM UNITE – A fantastic header by Michail Antonia and West Ham is ahead! This is the first time either team has shown real quality. Benrahma sends in a corner and Antonio diverts a header to the far corner.
AEK LARNACA vs WEST HAM– Michail Anthony scored a fantastic goal in the 45th minute. It was a sensational finish. He received the ball from around 20 yards away, took a touch and bent it into the upper right corner. This is an amazing finish.
47″ SO UNLUCKY for ANTONIO!” – Michail Antonio latches on to a pass and strikes the post with a left footed shot. It would have been a perfect hat-trick, after he had already scored with both his head and right foot!
88″ DENIED BY GOALKEEPER This should have been 3-0. Lucas Paqueta is able to run cleanly through the ball, but Piric saves it.
KEY STAT
(Stat via Opta Analyst) The Hammers won more games than the Premier League (6) during 2022-23 in the UEFA Europa Conference League. (Stats via Opta Analyst).