Hammers win despite late flare-up

West Ham 2 Anderlecht 1 (Europa Conference League)

The big news at the London Stadium is that Nigel and Gav have been to see Uriah Heep last week and on Thursday are seeing Deep Purple, though Lisa would prefer Bucks Fizz. And Nigel has eaten his lucky banana in the tunnel by Carpenters Road, a tactic that has resulted in three wins in a row.

It’s a noisy midweek crowd as the Hammers soon go two goals up. Benrahma curls a fine free kick through the Anderlecht wall (Matt has never doubted him) and then after a good run by Emerson, Bowen lashes home from the edge of the box. Anderlecht have some late chances but it’s 2-0 at the interval, with an injury to Ogbonna the only downside.

There’s a medical drama at half-time as an unfortunate fan falls down the steps. The paramedics do a professional job as he’s eventually taken away on a stretcher with his neck in a brace and his arm in a sling.

The Irons continue to miss chances as Fornals and sub Soucek should both do better. The away fans have been setting off flares all game and there are unpleasant scenes as seats are thrown and flares thrown at the West Ham fans. “Some stupid with a flare gun, could burn this place to the ground,” opines Nigel.

When Anderlecht score a late penalty even though Johnson played the ball, more flares are lobbed and Fraser says sagely, “Eddie and the Hot Rods wrote a song about fighting Belgians.”

A shame about the crowd trouble but at the end of the evening it’s job done as the Irons make it four out of four wins in Europe. A good result considering Moyes made seven changes and this ensures European football after Christmas.