West Ham came back from behind to win 3-2 away at Silkeborg in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.
Kasper Kusk’s goal after just five minutes tested the Hammers’ nerve, but they responded quickly when Manuel Lanzini levelled the game from the penalty spot after 13 minutes, and Gianluca Scamacca put them ahead with a stunning strike some 12 minutes later.
Craig Dawson then got in on the act when he headed in after 38 minutes to make it 3-1, sending David Moyes’ side into half-time with a comfortable lead despite the false start.
The hosts struggled to find a way back into the game after the break, with West Ham doing a good job of keeping possession and controlling the tempo for the most part.
Substitutions did give Silkeborg an extra boost of energy and more attacking thrust as the game drew on and opened up somewhat, but they truthfully lacked a cutting edge quality that they needed to truly hurt the Irons and build hope a comeback.
That was until a catalogue of errors from a West Ham corner saw Jarrod Bowen lose possession, allowing Silkeborg to burst through on the counter attack and Søren Tengstedt to make it 3-2 with around 15 minutes to play.
Tengstedt’s goal clearly unsettled West Ham who couldn’t get a hold of the play after his goal. Tonni Adamsen’s shot from close range almost levelled the contest, but Areola got down well to deny the 27-year-old.
The Danish outfit continued to push for an equaliser as the home fans found their voice, but Moyes’ side regrouped after a shaky period and hung on for a huge three points.
Victory means West Ham remain top of Group B having won their opening game against FCSB. Another away trip awaits them next up, as they travel to Belgium to face Anderlecht after the international break, who sit second in the group on four points.