James Ward-Prowse inspired West Ham United’s turnaround victory over TSC Backa Topola in the UEFA Europa League with the visiting coach paying reluctant a tribute to his fearsome set-piece delivery.
Like their neighbours from down the road, West Ham United are discovering that the departure of a talismanic fans’ favourite is not the end of the world after all.
David Moyes’ Hammers, a la Tottenham Hotspur post-Harry Kane, appear to have invested the £100 million windfall earned via Declan Rice’s departure very successfully, summer signings Mohammed Kudus and James Ward-Prowse stepping up to ensure that Angelo Ogbonna’s blunder counted for nothing in an intriguing Europa League opener at the London Stadium.
Kudus forced an own goal for West Ham’s equaliser before finding a pocket of space in a crowded penalty area to head home a trademark Ward-Prowse corner. The former Southampton skipper fizzed in another devastating delivery with ten minutes to go; meat and drink to the towering Tomas Soucek.
James Ward-Prowse inspires West Ham win
“I’m disappointed with the loss, no matter what,” sighs Zarko Lazetic, speaking to Mondo after his TSC side went from 1-0 up to 3-1 down within 35 minutes. “We’re talking about an 11 v 11 game. We had a good chance to score more. I think we missed it.
“They have extreme quality, and this Ward-Prowse lad puts the ball wherever he wishes.”
Ward-Prowse, a bargain at £30 million, has two goals and six assists already in West Ham colours. A debut effort from former Ajax star Kudus, meanwhile, will have Hammers fans praying that the club’s infamous striker ‘curse’ has finally been lifted.
Michail Antonio made an impact off the bench
“In the first half, we controlled it, although they had chances. But in the second half, we didn’t,” Lazetic adds, highlighting Michail Antonio’s influence off the bench. “When we scored a goal, I thought we scored a little too early.
“Unfortunately, (Antonio) came on, Ward-Prowse and (Lucas) Paqueta played, and we lost.”
“In the first half, we controlled it, although they had chances. But in the second half, we didn’t,” Lazetic adds, highlighting Michail Antonio’s influence off the bench. “When we scored a goal, I thought we scored a little too early.
“Unfortunately, (Antonio) came on, Ward-Prowse and (Lucas) Paqueta played, and we lost.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
