Jamaica Reggae Boyz forward Michail Antonio bagged a brace, and top-flight English club West Ham United took a big step towards the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League with a comfortable 2-0, first-leg victory against Cypriot side, AEK Larnaca on Thursday.
Antonio, 32, took his tally this season to nine goals for David Moyes’ side, who have now won all nine of their matches in the competition this term.
It was a deserved victory for the Hammers, and Antonio almost completed a hat-trick after the break when he fired a low effort against the right-hand post.
The hosts caused the visitors early problems, but West Ham grew in confidence and took the lead when unmarked Antonio headed a left-wing pass from Said Benrahma into the right corner at 36 minutes.
Pablo Fornals drove wide of the left post moments before Antonio doubled the lead when he collected a pass on the edge of the area and superbly curled an effort around his marker into the top-right corner in first-half injury time.
Having made wholesale changes to his starting line-up, Moyes also made five substitutions after the break – including substituting Antonio on the hour – to keep players fresh with the main priority for the Hammers being trying to retain their Premier League status. Currently, they sit one point above the drop zone.
Scotsman Moyes has made no secret of his ambition to win this competition – which would also provide a route back into Europe next term – and on this showing, it will be foolish to bet against them becoming the first English side to lift the trophy.
Moyes, who led the Hammers to a Europa League semi-final last season, was delighted with the result.
“I am thrilled, a good job done,” he said. “We didn’t play particularly well, but we got two goals and could have had a few [more].’
Michail Antonio was annoyed not to get his treble and said: “At least we are ahead. I was so close to the perfect hat trick, hitting the post with my left foot. We are more comfortable, anything can happen but we will be at home, with our fans, and I hope it will be easier and to get more goals.”
Asked if he will start against Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday, he said: “There is competition in football, and (in this match), I scored and I am buzzing for the challenge.”
CMC/
