‘Completely dominated’: French outlet picks West Ham player as their MOTM after heroics in Lyon

Fri 15 April 2022 9:15, UK

West Ham United cruised to a first European semi-final in 46 years on Thursday night.

The Hammers ran out 3-0 winners in Lyon to set up a Europa League last-four tie against Eintracht Frankfurt.

West Ham, who drew 1-1 at the London Stadium in the first leg, had to withstand plenty of pressure early on.

But once David Moyes’ charges broke the deadlock, it was pretty much one-way traffic thereafter.

Craig Dawson got the Hammers up and running in the 38th minute.

The big defender weighed in with a superb near-post header from Pablo Fornals’ corner.

Declan Rice then made it two with a deflected strike after Ben Johnson’s cross was cleared into his path.

And three minutes after the break, West Ham added their third, with the Lyon defence floundering once again.

A sensational pass from Fornals sent Jarrod Bowen through on goal, and he swept a fine finish past Julian Pollersbeck.

Rice helped turn the tide in midfield following West Ham’s difficult start and went on to dominate in midfield.

French outlet picked the 22-year-old as their Man of the Match, giving him 8/10.

“Both aggressive and intelligent in his pressing, the West Ham midfielder completely dominated the midfield,” they wrote.

“He never stopped harassing the ball carrier, nor projecting himself at the slightest opportunity thanks to his large volume of play.

“We even saw him succeed in a nice run down the wing, outpacing (Malo) Gusto.

“Rewarded with a goal just before the break. And replaced in the 90th by Said Benrahma.”

Follow us on