West Ham’s Europa League journey ends with draw against Leverkusen

West Ham’s Europa League journey came to an end as Jeremie Frimpong’s late equalizer dashed their hopes of becoming the first team to defeat Bayer Leverkusen, the new German champions, this season.

Michail Antonio’s header in the 13th minute at London Stadium provided David Moyes’ team with an ideal start in their quest to overturn a two-goal deficit from the initial leg. Despite dominating the first half, they couldn’t breach the Leverkusen defense for a second time.

Jarrod Bowen had the closest opportunity when his shot at the far post was saved by Matej Kovar, but Xabi Alonso’s side notably improved after halftime. Frimpong missed a clear chance, but made amends in the 89th minute with a shot that deflected significantly off Aaron Cresswell before beating Lukasz Fabianski.

This goal maintained Leverkusen’s remarkable unbeaten streak since their 3-0 loss to Bochum on May 27th last year, 328 days ago, and secured a spot in the semi-finals against Roma, who eliminated AC Milan.

In reality, a fatigued West Ham seemed to have run out of ideas before Frimpong’s equalizer. Nevertheless, they received a warm reception from their supporters, recognizing a memorable three-year period of European escapades that culminated in their first trophy in 43 years last season when they triumphed in the Europa Conference League.

Securing a fourth consecutive European season is within reach for them, albeit with slim odds. However, achieving this would require a substantial enhancement in their recent Premier League performance. Additionally, uncertainties loom over the future of manager David Moyes, as his contract is set to expire at the end of the season.

Fast start but tired West Ham out of ideas

The resounding cheers for Bowen’s name during the pre-match announcements underscored his significance, particularly on a night when another key attacker, Lucas Paqueta, was absent due to suspension.

Bowen, absent in the first leg, showcased his value with an exceptional cross that set up Antonio’s headed goal.

However, it could be argued that Mexico midfielder Edson Alvarez, also absent in the first leg, had a more substantial influence, contributing to his team’s dominance in the first half, with West Ham largely pinning Leverkusen in their own half.

Goalkeeper Kovar thwarted Bowen’s attempt at the far post with a leg save, stopped Mohammed Kudus’ low shot, and caught an Antonio header when Soucek, unmarked behind him, could have been a better option.

Yet, akin to their previous experience in this tournament two years ago, when they conceded early in the first leg against Frankfurt and had Cresswell sent off in the second leg, West Ham’s path forward was not without obstacles.

With Kostantinos Mavropanos sidelined from the first leg and another central defender sustaining an injury in this match as Nayef Aguerd went for a challenge against Patrik Schick, their defensive resources were further stretched.

Moyes faced limitations without Paqueta, Emerson, and Kalvin Phillips, which deprived him of potential game-changing options, despite his team’s determined efforts. Meanwhile, striking options like Danny Ings and Divin Mubama remained on the bench.

Now, focus will shift to the Scot, with many supporters feeling that he has not maximized the potential of his squad, despite the team’s overall improved results compared to previous seasons.

Leverkusen set up Roma revenge mission

The challenges faced by the visitors in the first half emphasized the significance of Victor Boniface’s introduction during the interval. His impact in the previous week’s match triggered Leverkusen’s late surge, undoing much of the hard work put in by West Ham until then.

Ultimately, it was that crucial eight-minute period in the previous match in Germany that made the difference.

After being eliminated in the semi-finals by Roma last season, Leverkusen now have the opportunity for redemption.

Given their strong form this season and the impressive resurgence of the Italians under the guidance of Daniele de Rossi, who succeeded Jose Mourinho as manager, the upcoming match promises to be captivating.