David Moyes hopeful West Ham can make it to European Conference League final

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By Martin Graham | 12th May 2023

West Ham manager David Moyes was delighted to see his side stage a comeback win over Dutch side AZ Alkmaar in the first leg of their Europa Conference League semifinal on Thursday.

The Hammers conceded a goal just before half time but second half strikes from Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio turned the game around for David Moyes’ men.

That win puts them in a good spot ahead of the return leg next week, as West Ham seek to reach the finals of a European competition.

Their form in Europe contrasts largely with their domestic form, where they are 15^th on the table, but will likely escape relegation come the end of the season.

Despite their domestic struggles, the Hammers now have an opportunity to end the season on a high and David Moyes is confident his side will make the best of that chance.

Moyes reflects on AZ Alkmaar win

Speaking after the game, Moyes said: “We got a lead. And we got in front. Any lead is important at the moment. But thankfully we didn’t give up too many defensive things. We should have stopped the goal, undoubtedly, but it happens.”

“I have been a bit worried about the way that AZ played.”

“They have got a good style and they showed it at times in the first half. But we made really poor decisions in the final third in the first half. We were shooting (from difficult positions) and weren’t crossing it. We made really poor decisions and we didn’t hold the ball up well at all. And they made it difficult for us to really impact on them as well. “

However, Moyes admits the tie is far from over and says his side must be at their best next week in order to advance to the final of the competition.

He added: “I think the way that they will play and the way we like probably play as well and we like to run and turning the ball over too much and too often, which means that I can only see it being any open game at the moment next week. But we have got a lead in the moment and hopefully we can do enough to keep that lead.”

“And it just shows you what European football means. People just recognize it as something different. You are taking your Club into Europe and getting representing there and thankfully for the last couple of years we have been in Europe and doing an okay job.”