Clinton Morrison felt Said Benrahma ‘did everything right’ but score after an early chance to put West Ham ahead against Lyon in the Europa League, speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live.
The Hammers hosted Les Gones at the London Stadium on Thursday night for the first-leg of their quarter-final tie. Lyon started brightly and produced a flowing move but lacked an end product. Benrahma’s eyes then lit up with a chance to punish Lyon for their patience.
While Peter Bosz’s side sought to string together passing moves, David Moyes’ men came out the blocks much more direct. Long balls and a high press were the order of the day for the Irons. And saw Craig Dawson pick out Benrahma with a pinpoint pass after 16 minutes.
Benrahma’s touch was exquisite to collect Dawson’s lob on the run and get a shot out. But the angle proved too tight as Anthony Lopes left the 26-year-old without his 10th goal this season. He had struck nine times and assisted six across his prior 39 games this season.
Three of the Algerian’s goals have come in Europe, after netting against Rapid Vienna and Genk (twice). He also has six goals and six assists over 27 Premier League games this term.
West Ham star Bahahaha ‘did everything right’ but score vs Lyon, claims Morrison
Benrahma left Morrison in awe with his touch to control Dawson’s pass as West Ham bid to hit Lyon early. The £30m forward proved an avenue the Irons sought to explore again throughout the first-half, too. But Moyes sacrificed Benrahma for a defender at the break.
“It’s a brilliant ball from Craig Dawson,” Morrison stated. “But the touch from Benrahma to bring it down out of the sky is fantastic. He did everything right, but Lopes made a really good save. West Ham have come alive and it’s given the fans something to cheer about.”
Moyes elected to replace Benrahma with Ben Johnson at half-time following referee Felix Zwayer sending Aaron Cresswell off. The left-back received his marching orders in the third minute of stoppage-time after pulling Moussa Dembele back when clean through on goal.
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