By Daily Sports Nigeria on March 11, 2022

West Ham have kept their hopes of reaching the Europa League quarter finals alive after falling 1-0 to six-time winners Sevilla, who were lucky to hold onto their lead.

The stats suggest a dominant display from Sevilla, who took a 60th-minute lead from former Barcelona striker Munir El Haddadi, but the Hammers nearly left Andalusia with far bigger rewards.

Second-half substitute Said Benrahma caused nightmares for the Spanish defence and nearly helped his side level the score.

Manuel Lanzini connected on a pass from the Algerian in the Sevilla box deep into the second period, but Jesus Navas managed to make a flying block on what looked like a goal-bound effort.

Former West Ham defender Alvin Martin was full of praise for his old side’s display saying: “The reaction after going a goal down has been excellent and they’ve shown real maturity.”

Yet despite a resilient display against the toughest of Europa League opponents, it was undoubtedly Munir’s winner which will leave West Ham boss David Moyes most frustrated.

The Moroccan was left all-alone in the box as he ghosted in to direct the winner in on the half-volley, but the Spanish side then failed to add to their tally with 22 shots in total.

Former Manchester City man Navas is remembered for his four years in the Premier League, but has become a far different figure back in his native Seville.

The 36-year-old has converted from rapid winger to one of LaLiga’s finest right-backs, and showed it with a captain’s display against West Ham.

Benrahma was looking like Navas at his City best after entering the fray, before cutting the ball back to Lanzini for a huge chance.

Source TalkSport

Posted March 11, 2022

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