Edson Álvarez hailed a ‘beautiful moment’ as his first goal for West Ham United helped the Club defeat SC Freiburg 2-0 at London Stadium to secure top spot in UEFA Europa League Group A and direct progress to the round of 16.
The Mexico international shrugged off the effects of an early knock to set up Mohammed Kudus for the Irons’ opening goal on 14 minutes, clipping a lofted ball for his former Ajax teammate to control and finish.
And, having registered an assist, Álvarez then scored an even better goal himself, collecting the ball from Paquetá, striding forward, exchanging passes with Bowen and firing high into the net to score his maiden goal in Claret and Blue.
The No19’s superb display helped the Hammers see off potentially tricky opponents in the German Bundesliga side and avoid the need to play in a potentially tricky Europa League knockout round play-off against a team dropping down from the UEFA Champions League in February next year. Instead, the Londoners will be seeded and host the second leg of their round of 16 tie at home in March.
“It’s an important step for all of us, as we showed character, we showed discipline and we showed attitude to play with the ball and I think they are three important points because we are now top of the group,” he told West Ham TV.
“It was special, magic night for me. I know Mo very well so when he ran I saw him directly, so I’m happy for him as well and happy for me for scoring my first goal in this beautiful shirt.”
It was a beautiful goal, too…
“I saw Lucas dropping for the ball and I thought I needed to take another position to receive the ball. He passed me the ball so I turned, I dribbled a little bit and I saw Jarrod so I passed to him and he gave me a very nice pass in front of the goal, so it was difficult to miss!” the midfielder smiled. “I hope we’re going to see some more goals, too!
“It was a very important night for us because now we are just waiting for the next round, so we’re very happy.”
Álvarez also allayed fears that his substitution early in the second half could see him miss important matches to come between now and Christmas – home Premier League games with Wolverhampton Wanderers and Liverpool either side of an EFL Cup quarter-final at Liverpool next week.
“I’m also looking forward now,” he confirmed. “We have a very good game on Sunday and we want revenge for what happened in the last game [at Fulham]. I think the team is getting better and we want to show it as well. I will be there!”
