Manuel Lanzini is feeling optimistic as West Ham United head into the March international break following a 4-0 win over AEK Larnaca on Thursday.
The Hammers brought a two-goal advantage back to London Stadium from Cyprus and goals from Gianluca Scamacca, Jarrod Bowen and Divin Mubama sent the Hammers into the UEFA Europa Conference League quarter-finals with a 4-0 win in east London – and a 6-0 aggregate victory.
The performance pleased the Argentine as the Irons made it ten wins from ten in Europe.
“The result was great for us,” Lanzini enthused. “We had to control the ball because they are a good team. The red card was unlucky for them because it gave us more space.
“I think we have a very good team to continue in this competition. It is important for us – but we want to go step by step and we will see [where that will take us].”
Once more, Lanzini was key to the Irons’ success on the continent. The Argentine started wide left, but often found himself drifting inside to pick up the ball, start the attack and dominate possession. Neat combinations with Tomáš Souček and Paquetá allowed the Hammers to take the sting out of the tie and calmly waltz their way into the last eight.
He then kicked the Irons into gear when, picking up the ball from Fornals, the No10 drew the defenders away from Scamacca, before releasing the No7 to put the Irons ahead. Lanzini was delighted to see his teammate on the scoresheet.
“I am happy for Gianluca,” he added. “He is a great player and a great person. He worked hard and this is good for him because his confidence [will grow]. And I hope he continues to score goals.
“When Gianluca started he did very well, he scored a lot of goals in the Premier League and Conference League. Then, he had an injury, but every player is different. I hope he continues to keep working hard and to score goals for his confidence."
Following the introduction of Danny Ings, Divin Mubama and Maxwel Cornet on 55 minutes, Lanzini shifted into a deeper, more central role. There, partnering with Souček – and later Freddie Potts – the No10 helped the Irons control the ball with the extra man, recording 66 per cent possession overall.
He might have added a fifth late on but struck over from close range after good work from Ings. But four goals – six on aggregate – means the Irons head into the break confident. The Irons are next in action on 2 April against Southampton, which kick-starts a busy week of action as fixtures with Newcastle and Fulham follow in quick succession.
“We need to rest but also work hard [over the international break],” Lanzini stated. “It’s good for our mind [to have that time to re-group].
“When you win, you get more confidence. It is good for us, for the group, we hope we can see a few wins in the Premier League now too – because it is important for us.”
