Hammers cruise into Conference League knockouts

West Ham cruised past Anderlecht to effectively qualify for the Europa Conference League last-16.

The Hammers are now well aware that they will effectively get a break from European action for the next two months,

David Moyes’ side turned in a polished, professional performance at the London Stadium and were comfortably the better side throughout the 90 minutes.

Said Benrahma scored the opening goal after 14 minutes, bending an absolutely superb free-kick into the bottom corner from around 20 yards.

Jarrod Bowen added a second on the half-hour mark, collecting the ball on the edge of the box and lashing it beyond the Anderlecht goalkeeper.

The Hammers largely played the game out from there in a performance that encouraged possession over progression on the ball, although Anderlecht won a penalty late on after Ben Johnson made a clumsy challenge in the box. Sebastiano Esposito scored the spot-kick.

However, there is some concern over Craig Dawson, who was substituted after sustaining what appeared to be a knock in the second half.

Overall, the Hammers did virtually what was needed to qualify for the knockout stages to can start preparing for European football after Christmas.

The Irons have now essentially confirmed their place in the knockout stages due to beating Silkeborg, meaning they have a head-to-head advantage over the only team that can catch them in the group.