West Ham lost 2-0 against Bayer Leverkusen, despite a defensive effort by David Moyes. Lucas Paqueta and will miss the second leg, leaving Moyes’ side with a challenge.
West Ham must overcome challenges without Brazilian-born duo and Jarrod Bowen, and Konstantinos Mavropanos may be added to the casualty list after being withdrawn in the second half.
Moyes’ tactics in Europa League quarter-final first leg have divided opinion, with some arguing it was the only option, while others view it as cowardly and lacking intent.
West Ham struggled to score in a month of Sundays, with only Mohammed Kudus’ tame effort. They were run into the ground by Leverkusen’s late goals, resulting from tired legs and minds. Moyes ignored a German expert’s tip-off.
Hammers boss Kevin Hatchard warned West Ham manager Tony Moyes not to use the same tactics he used in the tie against Bayer Leverkusen. Hatchard believed West Ham’s best chance would be on the counter-attack, where players like Bowen and Kudus could cause damage. Moyes’ extreme tactics, partly due to Leverkusen’s excellence, proved to be spot on.
