There can be no disputing that David Moyes has every right to claim this Hammers team has a fine spirit despite all the problems he and they have suffered this season.
To come from behind with a battling second half performance was a top performance although this is a very good AZ team and the match remains in the balance at half time.
The Irons had produced a first 45 minutes of counter attacking football which didn’t seem the right way to go when a pressing game is surely key in a European semi final at home.
And when they fell behind it looked a long way back but with Benrahma creating problems all night long it was fitting he should score a penalty equaliser assisted by Soucek before Bowen was punched in the face by the keeper.
The Hammers were pouring forward and the second came from Antonio to give us the lead which could prove invaluable in Holland.
Can we win this tie. Yes of course but we can’t look to be defending a one goal lead when we go for the second leg.
Declan Rice will hopefully have a bigger impact than he managed tonight and Bowen may get more room than was available at the London Stadium as they look to rescue the tie.
AZ are very competent but didn’t seriously hurt us beyond their sole goal and are there to be beaten again in the second leg.
Match verdict by Hughie Southon
It can’t be denied that every time this season when it’s come the crunch, when it’s been do or die, must win game etc etc the players have come up trumps for Moyes.