1. R-icing on the cake!
Declan. Rice. Irons.
— BT Sport (@btsport) April 20, 2023
📹 @btsportfootballpic.twitter.com/x0OYGj9wJS
It was some goal from the skipper.
With the match poised at 2-1, after Michail Antonio and Paquetá had struck following Hugo Cuypers' opener, Declan Rice won the ball back, broke over the halfway line, skipped past KAA Gent defender Joseph Okumu and found the bottom corner with seemingly effortless ease.
As Rice wheeled away in jubilation, London Stadium was bouncing. The skipper, who also recorded 89 per cent pass competition, four tackles, and two aerial duels, had provided the brightest moment of what was another memorable night under the lights.
“I think that might be my best one yet!” Rice smiled, reflecting on a stunning goal that highlighted the Hammers’ 5-2 UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-final aggregate win over Gent.
“I've scored some good top-corner ones, but the way I picked it up, I knew I had that space in front of me and once I started to drive with the ball.
"With the celebration, it's a funny thing that when I score, and I don't know what to do. I just run off and did the knee slide and the lads smothered me. As a footballer, I will look back on these nights when I retire. And I’ll just think ‘Wow’. What a feeling!"
2. European nights continue to delight!
With the Hammers 4-1 ahead on the night, London Stadium went into a state of jubilation. East London was bouncing – and for good reason too.
Consecutive European semi-finals were the prize for the Hammers, who had swept past Lyon in the Europa League quarter-finals in 2021/22 and progressed past KAA Gent, with a 5-2 win on aggregate, to reach the last four this term.
In truth, the Belgian side were blown away with a three-goal salvo inside eight second-half minutes, although there is no doubt the atmosphere played its part.
Building on a 1-1 draw in the first leg, the Hammers were ready to attack. Deafening dance music, bright lights, flashing floodlights, flame throwers and more ramped up things up ahead of kick-off before a chorus of chants from both sets of fans built the atmosphere.
As the players made their way out, the stage was set. And West Ham did not disappoint.
3. Paquetá puts on show!
Alongside skipper Declan Rice, Paquetá put on an absolute masterclass in east London.
With flicks, tricks, and all the skills too, the Claret and Blue faithful were captivated by his performance at London Stadium.
The Brazil creative recorded 89 per cent pass completion, two successful dribbles, and one tackle, although his spot-kick - his first home goal in Claret and Blue - will live long in the memory.
After overcoming the disappointment of giving the ball away in the lead-up to Gent's opening goal, Paqueta stepped up. And after his trademark shuffled run-up, found the top corner. The customary dance moves followed too.
4. Antonio. Antonio. Antonio.
Braces in successive rounds of the UEFA Europa Conference League meant Michail Antonio once more played a huge part in the Hammers’ progression.
The No9 netted a clinical header from a whipped-in Jarrod Bowen free-kick in the first half, before rounding off a resounding victory with a stunning strike.
His second of the evening was a record-equalling strike too, as Antonio’s eighth continental goal for the Club pulled him level with Bowen for most strikes in Europe.
And after a strong showing in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend too, Antonio looks to be finding his form right at the business end of the season.
The target now is to continue that run and bring some silverware to east London.
“We believe,” Antonio stated. “We believed last year that we would go on to win it, this team believes we will [go one better]. We will go out there, give it our all and hopefully, we can keep playing the way we are now."
