Reaching a third consecutive major European quarterfinal has been hailed as a “brilliant achievement” by West Ham manager David Moyes.
The Hammers defeated Freiburg 5-0 at the London Stadium to record their best victory in Europe.
They will participate in the Europa League last-eight draw on Friday, marking their first trip to that stage in three straight seasons.
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Lucas Paqueta, Jarrod Bowen, Aaron Cresswell, and a masterful double from Mohamed Kudus helped West Ham to their greatest victory since Moyes rejoined the team in December 2019. They then had to fight to stay above the drop, which they couldn’t escape until the last few games.
Moyes acknowledged that he was unable to figure out the advancements West Ham have made since then.
“I am really pleased able to give West Ham something,” he stated. “I didn’t want to be the manager of a team that was last in the league. Generally speaking, we have been the demanding team that I intended to be leading.
“In the past few years, the club has undergone tremendous change. Getting into Europe, staying for a second year, winning a trophy, avoiding relegation, and now reaching a quarterfinal. It’s an amazing accomplishment. It is difficult to describe how excellent it has been, and we have added some truly outstanding players.”
Kudus is among the most recent.
Following his move from Ajax last summer, the Ghanaian star’s performance has not been the most reliable.
But he lit up the London Stadium with an incredible late double, even though the match was already decided.
Kudus made his first attempt, a solo run through the middle of the pitch, past the Freiburg defence. There was no way to avoid the second shot, which was extremely severe.
“The first one reminded me of those old dribbling wingers who used to run and take people on, with snakey hips to find a way through,” Moyes added. “It was a brilliant individual goal – a real Roy of the Rovers type goal.
