David Moyes was naturally delighted with the result against Leeds United this afternoon reserving special praise for Lucas Paqueta and Declan Rice.
The Hammers had to be gritty and determined against AZ Alkmaar while today they turned on the style with the captain and the Brazilian showing the way.
The pair were imperious with the hosts went ahead when Jarrod Bowen poked in Danny Ings’ inch-perfect through ball. They then made sure of the victory when the Brazilian beat two defenders and set up substitute Manuel Lanzini to emphatically thump in from close-range.
Having guided his team to a major European final and Premier League safety, Moyes was able to enjoy the post-match lap of thanks, which was enjoyed by the tens of thousands of West Ham supporters who had remained in their seats to cheer on their Prague-bound heroes.
Talking about the game afterwards the manager said: “We’re making a habit of ending the season with these sorts of wins.
I can remember beating Everton here and Big Sam was the manager that day as well. It was great to get this victory on the back of the midweek result as well. I’m really pleased. The players showed great mentality and great character to come from a goal down.
I thought we played with some real freedom. The shackles were off and Paquetá was fantastic. Pablo Fornals played as well as he’s played for a long time today, and Declan plays well all the time but he played very well today as well.
We had to dig quite deep. They had a couple of half-chances in the opening 15 minutes which I wasn’t too pleased about. But, overall, we worked our way back into the game and we played well in the second half. I thought we probably should have scored more.
Declan tried to be unselfish and put one over for Danny [Ings]. Then there was another one and Lucas was trying to pick out Declan. You can see they’re all team players and they’re trying to make it better for each other
We need the competition in our squad. There is not a lot between some of the players in our squad. You could maybe toss a coin on which one you choose sometimes, but I want them all to be ready.
Also, you have to keep the squad attentive. It’s not easy. The hardest part of being a manager is naming the team because there are ten players who you’re not giving a game too and it becomes really difficult. It can be a difficult job.
I think this is a really important result. I think this is the first week now since April when we’ve not had a midweek game. It nearly feels unbelievable that we’ve got the chance to give the lads a couple of days off.
I was amazed with the attendance for our lap of appreciation. The stadium was full at the end. If it wasn’t full after reaching a European final though, there’s no other reason why it would be. The players have done a brilliant job. The players have stuck at it when it has not been easy.
Although the video looks like Lanzini is saying goodbye, i think he deserves a year extension. Can still do a job for us.
A mention for Seb Haller who scores a brace to send Dortmund to the top of the Bundesliga.
There was a long wait after the final whistle too but most fans still stayed for the lap of appreciation. Massive amount of applause for David Moyes as he went round too as I always suspected there would be. Once again social media echo chamber not really reflecting reality of the vast majority.