Kouyate double helps West Ham advance

After a shock 2-1 defeat in the first leg, Slaven Bilic's side made certain of a more clinical job in its first competitive match at London Stadium in front of a crowd of 54,000.

Published : Aug 05, 2016 07:05 IST , London

West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate celebrates after scoring.
West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate celebrates after scoring.
lightbox-info

West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate celebrates after scoring.

Two goals from Cheikhou Kouyate secured a 3-0 win for West Ham over Domzale to book its place in the Europa League play-off round.

After a shock 2-1 defeat in the first leg, Slaven Bilic's side made certain of a more clinical job in its first competitive match at London Stadium in front of a crowd of 54,000, scoring twice without reply in the first half to set it on its way to a 4-2 aggregate victory.

Sofiane Feghouli and Enner Valencia both spurned good chances after the break to safeguard the victory, and Matic Crnic - who scored both goals in the first leg - twice came close to snatching the away goal Domzale needed to force extra time. But Feghouli drilled home following Mark Noble's long ball with just nine minutes to play to end any hopes of a late comeback from Domzale, and send West Ham into the play-off phase, which begins in two weeks' time.

Kouyate gave West Ham its first goal at its new home with just eight minutes on the clock. Sam Byram combined with Valencia and scuffed a shot goalwards, allowing Kouyate the chance to hook the ball past Axel Maraval and into the net.

Andy Carroll had the visitor worried with an acrobatic attempt, but the England striker played a crucial role in helping West Ham to double its advantage on 25 minutes. Rising highest to reach Michail Antonio's cross, Carroll headed down and back across the box, where Kouyate was on hand to slide the ball home.

Domzale pushed for a response after the break, with Crnic testing Darren Randolph from 30 yards with a deflected drive, but West Ham began to assume control of possession and looked the more likely to find the game's third goal. Feghouli glanced a header just wide of the far post before Valencia fluffed his lines when clean through on goal, after Randolph had made a good low save to deny Crnic following a clever one-two.

The stadium grew in nervousness as Domzale pressed for a crucial away goal, but Feghouli settled matters, chesting down Noble's lofted pass before firing low past Maraval.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment