West Ham United are starting to look like European regulars. After winning the UEFA Europa Conference League last term, the Hammers qualified for the 2023-24 UEFA Europa League. Will they secure European football again for next season?
Strong Start by the Irons
By their high standards, West Ham had a poor domestic campaign last term. However, they have been excellent so far this season, already picking up a handful of Premier League wins. A top-six finish could be on the cards, and you can bet on football now and get the Hammers at 17/2.
Securing European football for next season via the league route will not be straightforward, though David Moyes’ men are certainly capable. The Londoners finished sixth at the end of the 2020-21 season, finishing above the likes of Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal, and Newcastle United.
The following year, West Ham took seventh place and were awarded a spot in the Europa Conference League. United qualified for Europe via the league for two seasons running for the first time in the club’s history.
Two Memorable European Campaigns
West Ham were outstanding in the 2021-22 Europa League. They picked up four wins from six in the group stage to win Group H. Moyes’ troops then beat record winners Sevilla and stunned Lyon to book their place in the last four. Unfortunately, German side Eintracht Frankfurt proved to be too strong in the semi-finals.
West Ham built on those foundations and went even further in Europe the following season. West Ham qualified for the Europa Conference League after a seventh-place finish in the Premier League.
Vlad joined the Club three years ago today ?? pic.twitter.com/na2ahv3ZcL
— West Ham United (@WestHam) October 2, 2023
The Hammers won all six group matches before easing past AEK Larnaca in the Round of 16. West Ham then saw off Gent and AZ Alkmaar to secure a place in the 2023 Europa Conference League final.
They went up against Italian outfit Fiorentina in Prague. The Irons were pegged back after taking the lead from the penalty spot, but as the final looked to be heading for extra time, Jarrod Bowen had other ideas. The winger broke through and slotted home in the 90th minute to win West Ham the cup. It was United’s first trophy in 43 years.
?? David Moyes on Jarrod Bowen:
“He’s as good as he’s ever been at the moment, he really is. He’s sharp, he’s quick, he’s a threat. It was a lovely finish today but more importantly, his all-round game has got much better.” ??? pic.twitter.com/3zKU6Qx47n
— COYIrons (@COYIronscom) October 1, 2023
Can the Hammers Impress in Europe Once Again?
West Ham are one of three Premier League clubs in this season’s Europa League group stage. Liverpool and Brighton & Hove Albion are also in the competition, and all three English sides have been tipped to go far.
After their European heroics over the last couple of seasons, West Ham will fancy their chances. They got off to the perfect start with an easy 3-1 victory over Backa Topola in game one, with Tomas Soucek among the scorers at London Stadium. Freiburg and Olympiacos are also in Group A, and those two are set to be their toughest opponents.
West Ham have been easy on the eye in the early weeks of the season, and they could be a team to watch out for in the 2023-24 campaign.
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