Jarrod Bowen scored a dramatic 90th minute winner to clinch West Ham‘s first European trophy since 1965, defeating Fiorentina 2-1 to win the Europa Conference League.
It was a simply sensational finish to a European cup run that had many twists and turns, with David Moyes‘ side undoing much of the heartache they experienced last season after falling short in the Europa League semi-finals.
And it was ecstasy for the club after the match, with the Scottish manager running on to the pitch to celebrate with the players and fans. But they had to work hard for the win.
The east London side went a goal up after Cristiano Biraghi handled the ball to give West Ham a penalty on the hour mark. Said Benrahma converted the spot-kick to give the English club the advantage but the Serie A side levelled just five minutes later through a fine strike from Giacomo Bonaventura.
With the game looking like it would run into extra-time, Lucas Paqueta played a delightful pass through the Fiorentina backline to find Bowen, who went through to strike the winner past Pietro Terracciano in goal to secure the Europa Conference League for West Ham.
West Ham clinched the Europa Conference League final on Wednesday night in an epic match
David Moyes’ side defeated Fiorentina 2-1 with Jarrod Bowen scoring in the 90th minute
The Scottish manager lifted only his second piece of silver wear in his career after winning the Charity Shield with Manchester united
Mail Sport’s KIEREN GILL gives his ratings for both teams, with words from ED CARRUTHERS.
West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Alphonse Areola 6
Not first-choice goalkeeper but repaid manager’s faith.
VladimIr Coufal 7
His long throw led to the penalty for West Ham’s opener.
Kurt Zouma 7
Refused to let anyone get the better of him until injury ended his night.
Nayef Aguerd 6.5
Could have been quicker to close down scorer Giacomo Bonaventura.
Emerson 6.5
Losing a header in the build-up to Fiorentina’s leveller was costly.
Declan Rice 8
There was pressure on West Ham’s leader but he did not let it show on a historic night.
While Declan Rice may be set to leave the club, he’ll go down as a legend of the team that helped West Ham win their first European cup since 1965
Tomas Soucek 7
Back at his old club’s stadium and never strayed too far from Rice.
Jarrod Bowen 8.5
Can now tell his newborn twins he celebrated their births by scoring a winner in a European final!
Jarrod Bowen proved pivotal in the game scoring the winning goal to seal glory for West Ham
Lucas Paqueta 7.5
Sprinkled Brazilian stardust to set Bowen up to score the winner.
Said Benrahma 8
Perfect penalty. Good job he did not get a second yellow for jumping into the crowd!
Michail Antonio 7.5
Did his best to hold up the ball, though sometimes needs service.
Substitutes:
Thilo Kehrer 6
Fitted in at the back nicely.
Pablo Fornals 6
Looked lively after coming on.
David Moyes 7.5
Won his first trophy, cementing himself in West Ham folklore.
Fiorentina (4-3-3)
Pietro Terracciano 5
Failed to stop Bowen’s strike, but otherwise was a calm presence at the back.
Dodo 5
Solid defensively and got forward but couldn’t inspire a winner for his side.
Nikola Milenkovic 5
Fought hard against Antonio but did a decent job to keep him at bay.
Luca Ranieri 5
Wasn’t really tested at the back and was subbed after 85 minutes.
Cristiano Biraghi 6
Played well in parts considering he conceded the penalty and was struck with a cup.
Cristiano Biraghi of ACF Fiorentina looks dejected with his runners up medal following Fiorentina’s defeat
Giacomo Bonaventura 6.5
Netted the equaliser and was dangerous at times for Fiorentina.
Sofyan Amrabat 6
Excellent in defence, but failed to offer much creatively.
Rolando Mandragora 6
Solid in midfield but was outclassed by Rice and Soucek.
Nicolas Gonzalez 6
Delivered a nice assist to help keep Fiorentina in the match
Biraghi (left) of Fiorentina embraces Emerson Palmieri (right) in a display of sportsmanship after the match
Luka Jovic 5
Could have got the opener for Fiorentina but was offside. Despite that, he was rather quiet.
Cristian Kouame 5
Was subbed off after an hour after failing to make much of an impact.
Substitutes:
Arthur Cabral 6
Could have got the winner after 72 minutes but failed to hit the target.
Riccardo Saponara 5.5
Played well when he came on and looked threatening.
Riccardo Saponara covers his face after his side conceded a late goal to succumb to defeat
