Jarrod Bowen scored a dramatic winner in the 90th minute to lift West Ham’s first European trophy since 1965 by beating Fiorentina 2–1 to win the Europa Conference League.
It was quite simply a sensational end 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 as the Scottish manager ran onto the pitch to celebrate with the players and fans. But they had to work hard for the win.
The East London side scored a goal after Cristiano Biraghi handled the ball to give West Ham a penalty after an hour. Said Benrahma converted the penalty to give the English club the advantage, but the Serie A side equalized just five minutes later with a fine shot from Giacomo Bonaventura.
With the game looking set to go into extra time, Lucas Paqueta played a delightful pass through the Fiorentina backline to find Bowen, who went on to smash the winner past Pietro Terracciano into goal to secure the Europa Conference League for West Ham to set.
West Ham reached the final of the Europa Conference League in an epic game on Wednesday evening
David Moyes’ side defeated Fiorentina 2–1 with Jarrod Bowen scoring in the 90th minute
The Scottish manager won only his second career silver medal after winning the Charity Shield with Manchester United
Kieren GILL of Mail Sport gives his ratings for both teams, with words from ED CARRUTHERS.
West Ham (4-2-3-1)
Alphonse Areola6
Not a first-choice goalkeeper, but manager’s trust repaid.
Vladimir Coufal 7
His long throw led to the penalty for West Ham’s opener.
Kurt Zuma 7
Refused to let anyone get the upper hand until an injury ended his night.
Nayef Aguerd 6.5
Could have been quicker to shut down goalscorer Giacomo Bonaventura.
Emerson 6.5
Losing a header in the run-up to Fiorentina’s equalizer was costly.
Declan Rice 8
There was pressure on the West Ham leader, but he failed to show it on a historic evening.
Declan Rice is on the verge of leaving the club, but he will 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 that he celebrated their birth by scoring a winner in a European final!
Jarrod Bowen proved crucial in the game and scored the winning goal to seal glory for West Ham
Luke Paqueta 7.5
Sprinkled Brazilian stardust to get Bowen ready to score the winner.
Said Benrahma 8
Perfect fine. Well done, he didn’t get a second yellow card for jumping into the crowd!
Michael Antonio 7.5
Did his best to hold the ball but sometimes needs service.
Substitutes:
Thilo Kehrer6
Nicely built in behind.
Pablo Fornals6
Looked lively after entering.
David Moyes 7.5
Won his first trophy, establishing himself in West Ham folklore.
Fiorentina (4-3-3)
Pietro Terracciano 5
Failed to stop Bowen’s attack, but was otherwise a calm presence at the rear.
dodos 5
Solid defensively and came forward but couldn’t inspire a winner for his side.
Nikola Milenkovic 5
Fought Antonio hard but did well to keep him at bay.
Luca Ranieri 5
Not really tested in the back and changed after 85 minutes.
Cristiano Biraghi6
Played well in parts considering he got the penalty and was beaten with a cup.
ACF Fiorentina’s Cristiano Biraghi looks dejected with his second medal after Fiorentina’s defeat
Giacomo Bonaventura 6.5
Made the equalizer and was dangerous for Fiorentina at times.
Sofyan Amrabat 6
Excellent defensively, but little creative to offer.
Rolando Mandragora 6
Solid in midfield, but was outclassed by Rice and Soucek.
Nicolas Gonzalez 6
Delivered a nice assist to keep Fiorentina in the game
Fiorentina’s Biraghi (left) hugs Emerson Palmieri (right) in a display of sportsmanship after the match
Laka Jovic 5
Could have taken the opener for Fiorentina, but was offside. Despite that, he was pretty quiet.
Cristian Kuame 5
Was eliminated after an hour after not making much of an impact.
Substitutes:
Arthur Cabral6
Could have been the winner after 72 minutes, but didn’t hit.
Riccardo Saponara 5.5
Played well when he came on and looked menacing.
Riccardo Saponara covered his face after his side conceded a late goal only to succumb to defeat