West Ham United made it two wins from two in Group B of the Europa Conference League after a 3-2 win over Silkeborg at JYSK Park.
After Kasper Kusk's early opener, golas from Manuel Lanzini (penalty), Gianluca Scamacca and Craig Dawson gave the Hammers a 3-1 lead before half-time. Soren Tengstedt did give the hosts some hope with 15 minutes to go when converting at the end of a counter-attack, but it proved to be a consolation.
Here is how football.london ’s West Ham United writer Jonty Colman rated the Hammers’ players against Silkeborg.
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Alphonse Areola
There were back-to-back starts in goal for the first time this season for Alphonse Areola in goal with this game coming directly after last week's win over FCSB. A quiet first half where he would have been frustrated to have conceded just minutes into the tie. Hardly tested in the second half either until Silkeborg's second goal, saving the initial effort before Tengstedt tapped in on the rebound, although there was little he could do. Tengstedt almost added an equaliser ten minutes from time but Areola matched it with an important save. 6
Vladimir Coufal
Czech Republic international Vladimir Coufal moved out to the wider role of right wing-back with David Moyes changing shape and Ben Johnson still sidelined. A really mixed start to the game for the Czech defender, who caused problems going forward, but had problems of his own at the back, with Silkeborg getting two chances down his side, including the opening goal. Going forward however, it was his cross that led to Maxwel Cornet winning the penalty that levelled the tie. Continued to get forward well as the game went on but the quality of his crossing was mixed. 6
Thilo Kehrer
Germany international centre-back Thilo Kehrer started on the right side of the back three just hours after being named in his country's squad for their penultimate international games before the World Cup starts in November. Silkeborg tended to get more joy early on down his side but in possession, he was composed and as ever, looked to move the ball quickly. Not his most stand out game for the club yet, compared to other showings. 6
Craig Dawson
Centre-back Dawson made his first start of the season exactly two weeks after seeing a deadline day move to Wolverhampton Wanderers fall through. Having missed the season up until last week with a thigh issue, he sat deeper in the middle of the defensive line in order to allow those next to him push up and West Ham to have possession high up the pitch. Looked solid at the back in his first competitive start in four months and gave the Hammers their third goal before the break when bundling in at Aaron Cresswell's corner. Lots of love for him from the travelling fans, especially after his goal and led his defensive line well and with authority. 7
Aaron Cresswell
Also back in the side was Aaron Cresswell after missing the last two games with a groin issue, starting on the left of the centre-back trio, a more narrow role than he is used to. Impressed defensively and often cleared when required. Made a big impact going forward and his excellent corner was the source of the Hammers' third goal. Less shaky looking in defence than he had been at times this season. Booked late on. 7
Emerson
Fresh from scoring his first goal for the club a week ago, Emerson moved out to left wing-back in the formation change. Showed plenty of purpose going forward and twice early on, was the man attacking half chances that his side had in the box at back post. Worked a move brilliantly with Lucas Paqueta and Lanzini that led the Italian going close with a shot from range, winning the corner in the process that gave Dawson his goal. 7
Declan Rice
Declan Rice started in the heart of midfield on a day where West Ham's captain was once again named in the England squad. The heartbeat in midfield and had to be the physical force in it, which he was. Direct with his running and good at breaking up play in order for the visitors to counter Silkeborg high up. Perhaps could have been more direct with his passing at times but was more careful than risking being careless, important considering the wet artificial surface in which the game was being played on. Given a rare rest for the final third when taken off in a triple change. 7
Manuel Lanzini
Starting as one of two central midfielders after being taken off at half-time a week ago, Lanzini made a big impact early on when slotting home from the penalty spot after Cornet was dragged down in the box. His best performance of the campaign to date after a slow start. Really influential, not just with his goal, but from open play as well. Really neat in possession and showed so much attacking intent, linking up with Paqueta and Emerson in the move that eventually led to Cresswell's goal. Seemed comfortable to move the ball from central midfield as Rice sitting allowed him to play higher up. Attempted to make a last-ditch tackle when the hosts broke the for their second goal but was unable to make it count. 7
Lucas Paqueta
Lucas Paqueta came into the starting line-up for his full European debut for the Hammers after making such a big impact off the bench against FCSB. Also representing Brazil later this month, Paqueta occupied a No.10 role behind Cornet and Scamacca up front. A comfortable passer, Paqueta sometimes had issues breaking the lines of Silkeborg's midfield and defence, especially early on, but showed one moment of quality with an excellent flick in the move for Emerson's chance. Taken off in a triple change just after the hour mark, likely to be partly saved for the trip to Everton on Sunday. 7
Maxwel Cornet (Star man)
Keeping his place in the team after recovering from a neck injury suffered against FCSB, Cornet was dragged down in the penalty area to give West Ham the chance to get back into the tie early on just minutes after Kusk's shock opening goal. The best player on the pitch and made such an impact for the visitors. He won the penalty to give the Hammers the lead minutes after going behind. Pressed really well and was incisive with his pass to create Scamacca's goal to put West Ham in front. Starting to hit a bit of form and has often performed in Europe, as well as in a cameo against Chelsea late on in their last league game, only bolstering his chances of more league minutes to come. Quieter late on, as were most of his teammates, replaced by Pablo Fornals for the last few minutes. 8
Gianluca Scamacca
After a poor first half against FCSB that led to him being taken off at the break, Italian Scamacca was again trusted to lead the line up front, with both of his goals for the club before kick-off coming against Danish side Viborg in the qualifying rounds of this competition. Added to his tally in Europe to give West Ham the lead midway through the first half with a stunning finish from the edge of the box after being found by Cornet's pass. Battled well off the ball but sometimes did not run towards the ball when passed to quickly enough. A good goal will boost his confidence for sure, taken off with just over an hour gone. 7
Substitutes
Said Benrahma
Came on just after the hour mark in a triple change and led the line up front in place of Scamacca. Looked to break quickly but failed to really make much happen. 5
Tomas Soucek
Back from a foot injury, Tomas Soucek replaced captain Rice in the triple change to partner Lanzini in midfield. Midfield struggled more after Rice's exit. 5
Jarrod Bowen
Despite a slow start to the Premier League season, Jarrod Bowen earned his second international call-up on Thursday afternoon, replacing Paqueta for the final third of the tie. Had a half-chance of his third European goal of the season but was unable to threaten with a header. Caught in possession at a corner shortly after coming on leading to Silkeborg's counter-attack for their second goal. 4
Pablo Fornals
Following an assist against FCSB, Pablo Fornals was thrown on for the final few minutes with Silkeborg pushing for a late goal. N/A
Conor Coventry
Featured from the bench in stoppage time. N/A
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