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General view of the UEFA Europa Conference League Trophy
TIRANA, ALBANIA - MAY 25: General View of the UEFA Conference League trophy prior to the UEFA Conference League final match between AS Roma and Feyenoord at Arena Kombetare on May 25, 2022 in Tirana, Albania. (Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images)

Football | Europa Conference League 2023 | Final | Happy Hammers

Robert Wheeler
Football

By Robert Wheeler

  • West Ham victorious in Prague
  • Jarrod Bowen scores late winner
  • Club’s first trophy since 1980
PRAGUE, CZECHIA – Jarrod Bowen’s 90th-minute winner secured West Ham the Europa Conference League and the club’s first major trophy since 1980.

 

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It has been some journey for West Ham United in Europe this season under David Moyes. Whilst they struggled in the Premier League, in Europe they were all-conquering. The Europa Conference League win is the club’s first major trophy since the 1980 FA Cup and it will go down as a massive night in the Hammers’ history.

West Ham fans were fearing the worst when Luka Jovic scored with a header in the first half. Fortunately, the Fiorentina forward was offside and the goal was disallowed.

Jarrod Bowen was then bearing down on goal when Cristiano Biraghi handled the ball. VAR spotted it and the penalty was awarded which Said Benrahma fired into the top corner. However, their lead lasted just five minutes as Giacomo Bonaventura equalised with a smart finish into the bottom corner.

Rolando Mandragora had a great opportunity to put the Italian side in front but placed his shot wide. Then in the 90th minute, Lucas Paqueta played Bowen through and he slotted in the winner. Limbs were everywhere in the West Ham section of the stadium and Moyes was celebrating on the pitch.

As the final whistle blew there were even more glorious celebrations for the Hammers. Declan Rice lifted the trophy in what will probably be his final game in a West Ham shirt. The victory ensures qualification for next season’s Europa League and a chance for another adventure across the continent for the Hammers.

After the game, Rice told BT Sport:

“At the moment there’s a lot of speculation going on about my future. There is interest from other clubs but ultimately I still have two years left at West Ham. I love this club and I love playing for this club. My focus is playing for West Ham at the moment. I’m captain of this club and I can’t speak highly enough of this place. Let’s just see what happens. Let’s wait and see. Who knows?”

As West Ham performed poorly in the Premier League this season, there are those that want to see Moyes depart the club but it would seem ridiculous to get rid of a manager who has just won you a European Cup.

The manager reflected on the work he has done at the London Stadium to the BBC:

“When I think of the progress West Ham have made in the last three years, sixth, seventh, a European semi-final and now a European trophy if I had said that would happen three years ago, you would have said ‘he’s lost his marbles.’

“I am really fortunate at this club. They have been incredibly supportive when it could have been different.” There will be changes at the club this summer but one thing is for sure, there will be lots of partying from West Ham fans.”