1. More European nights!
Despite a tricky two-legged play-off, the Hammers have secured a place in the UEFA Europa Conference League group stage!
After a convincing 3-1 victory in the first leg, an equally professional performance followed in Denmark. The Hammers did well to dissolve the early pressure from the hosts, who to their credit battled hard in front of a raucous home following at the Viborg Arena.
Yet, West Ham would prove too much for the Danish side, as Gianluca Scamacca, Tomás Souček and Said Benrahma all struck to see the Hammers run out 0-3 winners on the night and 1-6 victors on aggregate.
David Moyes’ men now go into the UEFA Europa Conference Group Stage draw, which takes place on Friday 26 August at 1.30pm BST.
The Hammers have the prospect of at least six more European ties and a minimum of three more European nights at the London Stadium.
Exciting times ahead!
2. Awesome Areola
In Denmark, Alphonse Areola again showed his quality between the sticks when it really mattered.
Last year, the French stopper made several crucial saves during our run to the Europa League semi-final - the most memorable being his heroic right palm to deny Youssef En-Nesyri at the London Stadium against Sevilla.
In Viborg, Areola was equally alert. Shortly before the break, the 29-year-old produced a stunning double save to keep the Hammers ahead and deny what would have been an equaliser on the night.
Jay-Roy Grot struck a low effort which Areola did well to save at his near post before the World Cup winner reacted quickly to deter a Justin Lonwijk strike on the rebound.
A save at a critical time - we should expect no less from Areola.
3. A second goal for Scamacca
Two starts and it has been two goals from the Italy striker in Europe.
A towering presence throughout the tie, Scamacca netted the opener in the reverse fixture, and he repeated the feat in the second leg in Denmark.
Having seen an early effort saved by Viborg goalkeeper Lucas Lund, Scamacca darted to the near post and flicked home a cross from Tomás Souček with immeasurable ease. Again, he was as cool as you like when given the chance.
The Hammers No7 also showed off his hold-up play, as his strength allowed him to outmuscle his opponent and flick on Alphonse Areola’s goal kick, which started the move to Hammers' second goal of the night.
Another good showing from the Italian in Europe!
4. Okoflex's debut
Another Hammers youngster made his mark in a European tie!
At the Viborg Arena, 20-year-old Armstrong Okoflex made his senior debut with eight minutes to play.
With the Hammers 3-0 up on the night, the young winger replaced Manuel Lanzini on the pitch for his first taste of senior level football in Claret and Blue.
The Irish talent has been a regular feature of the Club's development side since his move from Celtic in 2021, and will be hopeful of many more outings for the Irons!
5. A winning start in the third kit!
The Hammers played their first match in their new third kit, with two second-half strikes capping a delightful display after Scamacca netted the opener.
Said Benrahma struck his fourth goal in Europe for the Hammers, as he coolly tapped home once he had breached the hosts’ defensive line.
Tomás Souček then netted our third goal of the night. A cross from Aaron Cresswell was directed at the Viborg goal by Thilo Kehrer before Souček reacted quickest to tap home his first goal of the new season from close range.
Top work all-around from the Hammers!
