By Jude Obafemi
West Ham United edged past Backa Topola 1-0 in the UEFA Europa League on Thursday, thanks to another late goal from Tomas Soucek. The Czech midfielder volleyed home in the 89th minute for the Hammers, who advance to the knockout stages with the win.
Playing in Serbia, West Ham boss David Moyes rang in the changes from the English Premier League win over Burnley, handing 19-year-old striker, Divin Mubama, his first senior start. However, chances were few and far between in a dull first half.
The second half saw Moyes turn to his bench, bringing on forwards, Danny Ings and Maxwel Cornet, to liven up the Hammers attack. And, it was the introduction of Cornet that led to the winner, with the Ivorian whipping in a cross that Soucek emphatically finished.
The 1-0 result means West Ham top Europa League Group A with 12 points from five matches. They will finalise first place with a home match against joint leaders Freiburg in their final group stage game on December 14.
While it was hardly a classic, the victory continues West Ham’s superb run in European football over recent seasons. They have now won 18 of their last 20 matches in the Europa League and Europa Conference League competitions.
About the Author
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
