James Ward-Prowse felt West Ham United showed a strong reaction to losing their record-breaking 17-match unbeaten European run by bouncing back against Olympiacos on Thursday night.
Having suffered a 2-1 defeat to the same opponents in Greece just a fortnight ago, Ward-Prowse felt his team were motivated to get one over their visitors – and they managed that through Lucas Paquetá’s well-taken volley, a goal set-up by the No7’s accurate, chipped through ball.
The victory keeps the Hammers at the top of UEFA Europa League Group A, level on points with closest rivals Freiburg, and with qualification for the knockout rounds firmly in their own hands.
At the same time, the former Southampton midfielder knows there remains room for improvement and he believes this victory can act as a building block to gain further momentum.
"It was an important reaction, we knew it would be tough and we were frustrated with how we played over there [in Greece],” he said.
"There was fire in our bellies. We had moments in the first half, but I thought we dug deep in the second half and got a good goal in the end.
"You have highs and lows in football, we made a positive start to the season and felt unbeatable really. We have had a slump but you're going get that - that's the difference between where we are at the moment and the top of the table. They have that consistency.
"But this is a huge win for us and gives us that first step in gathering some momentum."
For Ward-Prowse, this is his second taste of continental competition, having played nine Europa League games across two campaigns for Southampton in 2015 and 2016.
But having not progressed past the group stage on those occasions, the 29-year-old is determined to help his new side secure European football into the New Year for a third straight season.
With memories of June’s UEFA Europa Conference League victory fresh in the minds of everybody in Claret and Blue, hunting further success is right at the top of the agenda.
“I love playing football and to be playing at this level is a fantastic opportunity,” he added. “I played in the competition a few years ago, so I wanted to be back here and show what I can do.
“Seeing the boys do so well last year was fantastic. It’s a Club on the rise, and after that taste of success last year everyone wants to build on it now.”
