1. Comeback kings
A first-half effort from Tijjani Reijnders may have clipped the Hammers’ wings, but West Ham responded well after the break to take an advantage to the Netherlands.
Saïd Benrahma’s penalty kickstarted the comeback before Michail Antonio prodded home what could be a crucial winner from close range.
Two goals in nine second-half minutes therefore saw David Moyes' leave London Stadium and head to the Netherlands with a 2-1 win over AZ Alkmaar on Thursday evening.
And following another display of character from those in Claret and Blue, West Ham have won each of their four matches in European competition this season when conceding the opening goal, having done so against FCSB and Silkeborg IF in September and KAA Gent last month. The Irons are now eleven games unbeaten in Europe too, or 13 if you include the play-off round victories over Viborg FF.
2. Saïd on the spot
Twelve penalties across his career. And 12 goals. When Saïd Benrahma steps up to take a spot-kick, he finds the net.
The Irons pulled level with 67 minutes played when Jarrod Bowen bravely challenged for the ball and was caught by AZ goalkeeper Mathew Ryan.
Referee Haili Umut Meler pointed to the spot. And Benrahma, as he has done all season, all his career, smashed home the resulting spot-kick empathically.
West Ham were back level and the comeback was set in motion.
David Moyes praised the No22’s reliability from the spot, stating after the full-time whistle: “We are grateful for his penalty kicks at the moment because it looks as if Saïd is meaning it and he is rattling them in at speed too.”
3. The European charge continues!
The tie, while with the Hammers as it stands, remains finely poised for the second leg next Thursday.
But a huge step towards the Club’s third European final – and first in 47 years – was made in east London, although history will have to be clinched in Alkmaar.
There is work to be done, yes, but West Ham look in the mood for the job, having more than twice as many goal attempts and attacks as their Dutch opponents.
Scorer of the winner on the night, Michail Antonio reflected: “We made it difficult for ourselves with the first goal and we had a load of chances that we created, but didn’t finish off right.
“We needed to be a bit more clinical, but at the end of the day we got to 2-1 and we’ll take it to their place and hopefully get the win there.”
4. Kurt Zouma’s winning return
Kurt Zouma’s presence at the back was key as the Irons defeated AZ Alkmaar.
The Hammers’ only outfield change from the win over Manchester United on Sunday saw the French defender replace Angelo Ogbonna, who was ruled out by David Moyes due to illness.
Alongside Aaron Cresswell, Nayef Aguerd, and Thilo Kehrer, Zouma impressed at the heart of defence whether winning his aerial duels or bringing the ball out, as he did when charging forward in search of a third goal late on.
If his presence was vital in the first leg, it will be even more so in the return leg, although the No4 is ready for the challenge.
Zouma said: “It’s going to be tough in the second leg. They’re going to be at home, they’re going to be pressing us, but we have to be ready for it and use our experience.
“We have to stay calm and use our quality. We were mature in the second half tonight and that’s how we have to play next week.”
