Gianluca Scamacca came off the bench to score the all-important goal as West Ham beat Anderlecht in Belgium 1-0 on Thursday night – and Martin Keown has applauded the West Ham striker with a short, 11-word verdict on BT Sport.
Scamacca, 23, was on the bench for West Ham’s Conference League clash on Thursday night. But with the scoreline reading 0-0 on 70 minutes and Michail Antonio unable to find the breakthrough, David Moyes decided to change.
The Italy international was one of three subs made with 20 minutes to play. He also brought on Declan Rice and Lucas Paqueta. It made the difference. Rice offering more in midfield, and Paqueta providing the assist for Scamacca.
A perfectly-weighted pass into Scamacca. But the Italian dealt the match-winning blow, a lovely touch and finish of a striker with plenty of confidence. Keown said: “He’s going to a different level, Scamacca. He’s got the quality.”
Keown has applauded West Ham striker Scamacca after winner
Fresh from opening his Premier League account with a lovely half-volley against Wolves, Scamacca has continued his form in Europe, too. Now clocking up 11 appearances for West Ham, only six of which are starts, he has five goals.
It is a brilliant start to his Hammers career. Scoring plenty of goals, but also showing a variety of different goals. Able to shoot from outside of the box, but also providing that predatory instinct in the box – headers, or with his feet.
He looks like a real all-round striker and the Hammers have got themselves a good one. With Antonio injury prone, and turning 33 next March, Scamacca is showing he can be the long-term answer. He is likely to start on the weekend.
West Ham take on London rivals Fulham at the London Stadium and after the Cottagers shipped four to Newcastle, you would think it provides Scamacca with a decent chance of getting his second Premier League goal.
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