Three points and a big European win marked a special West Ham United debut for Konstantinos Mavropanos.
The centre-back played the full 90 minutes on his first outing in Claret and Blue, putting in an assured showing as the Irons fought from behind to claim a 3-1 win over FK TSC Bačka Topola and start the 2023/24 UEFA Europa League campaign with victory.
For the Greece international, who has been waiting for his first chance to pull on the West Ham shirt since joining from Stuttgart last month, Thursday’s maiden appearance at London Stadium was one to savour.
“It was a great feeling,” Mavropanos told West Ham TV. “I was looking forward to playing in my first game for West Ham and, with the win, it was a really nice feeling.
“This is a big three points. We wanted to start with a win and we were able to do it, which is really good. We’re happy to get the win and, although we know we have to improve some things, it’s good that we can step up and win these games.”
It was far from plain sailing for David Moyes’ Hammers against their Serbian opponents, however, as Žarko Lazetić’s side set up to frustrate the Irons.
The gameplan worked, too, as TSC took the lead on 48 minutes thanks to Petar Stanić’s finish from the edge of the area.
However, going behind seemed to push the home side to another level, with West Ham levelling as Saïd Benrahma’s cross was caught by both Mohammed Kudus and Nemanja Petrović, finding the back of the net.
Ghanaian attacker Kudus could definitely claim the second goal though, heading in James Ward-Prowse’s corner, before substitute Tomáš Souček added a third from another Ward-Prowse corner.
“We had quite a few chances in the first 30 minutes or so but when you don’t take a grip of the game with those chances, then teams like TSC can look to make opportunities, chances and get a goal, Mavropanos assessed.
“This is what they did, but we were able to turn it around. It’s something we need to work on. We can see where we have to improve after this game. This is something we’ll do and work on.
“I’m really happy for Mo to get his goals. It was his full debut as well and he has the quality to get balls into the box and get chances too, which is good for the team.”
Mavropanos went close to completing a near-perfect debut late on, meeting another Ward-Prowse corner with a header of his own, only to see it go narrowly wide.
He continued: “I wanted really badly to see that ball go into the net, but it’s not a big problem. Hopefully next time!
“With a player like James, and his quality, we will create a chance from each corner and it’s always going to be a good opportunity for us to get a goal.”
After impressing on his first appearance for the Hammers, the 25-year-old is eager to keep progressing and helping the Irons with his performances.
A tricky test at Anfield awaits on Sunday, but Mavropanos is excited for the Premier League season to continue.
“It’s a great feeling to be here,” he added. “I have been looking forward to my debut and I’m glad to get it. I’m really happy to be here.
“Sunday is another big game. We’re already focusing on that now. We only have a couple of days to get ready but we’ll be ready to play Liverpool for sure.”
