Werkself review #WHUB04: Two contrasting halves, one big goal

Summary: Big reward for efforts

Leverkusen arrived in London as newly crowned Bundesliga champions and had the first effort of the second leg through Nathan Tella, who was denied by Lukasz Fabianski at full stretch. West Ham were far more outgoing in this game compared to the first leg at the BayArena and soon forged ahead on the night when Michael Antonio headed in Jarrod Bowen’s cross. The hosts continued to force the issue as Bayer 04 struggled to gain a foothold. Alonso changed things up at the break with the introduction of Victor Boniface and Jeremie Frimpong. It had the desired effect as the Werkself began to exert some control, with Frimpong in particular having a couple of big chances to level. As West Ham pushed for a second goal that would force extra-time, Frimpong put the tie to bed with a shot from right of goal that deflected in to earn a 1-1 draw and a place in the Europa League final four. It also extended Leverkusen’s unbeaten run this season to 44 competitive fixtures, which is a new record by a team in Europe’s top five leagues. You can read more about the match in our report.

Reaction: “Will be a lesson to us”

Alonso was not shy in providing a bit of criticism after the game at his press conference: “It was an exciting game with two different halves. In the first, we lacked some things, lost the ball too easily. The players knew after the first half that we can do better. We wanted to show character and control the game better.” When it came to the second half, the boss said: “We had much more control and got into more dangerous areas more often again. But Jeremie had a big influence on the game. In the end it was a little fortunate. This will be a lesson to us.” Looking ahead to a re-run of last year’s semi-final against Roma, the Spaniard added: “It’s a second chance for us, not revenge. We want to do better.”

Granit Xhaka also said in summary: “We need to look at ourselves. That was English football. A good move and the fans are there. We were maybe a bit surprised. We had more grit and control in the second half. We did what’s made us so good all season long.”

Press review: “Late goal keeps amazing run going”

Bild ran with the header “Late goal keeps amazing run going” and also added: “For a long time it looked as if Bayer would suffer their first defeat of this season because the team put in its worst performance of the season in the first half.” kicker wrote: “Fast start from West Ham, then feeble. Frimpong takes Leverkusen to semi-finals and new record”. The Rheinische Post summarised: “The hosts seemed to run out of steam a little in the closing stages after their high-intensity performance, but they still posed a latent threat. When Frimpong put a great chance over and shortly afterwards made it 1-1, the East Londoners’ hopes were gone.”

Personnel: Frimpong turns it around

The Dutchman’s introduction provided new momentum and allowed the team to keep a number of streaks alive. Bayer 04 have scored in all 10 Europa League games this season and have scored nine goals from substitutes in the competition – the most of any team. Leverkusen’s seven goals in the final 15 minutes is also the most by a team in the Europa League this season.

Stats: Coming out ahead again

Bayer 04 had nine shots to West Ham’s 14, but the visitors were ahead in most other regards, such as 57.5 percent possession and 56 percent of challenges won. Leverkusen boasted a pass completion of 85 percent (West Ham: 83.5 percent) as they extended their unbeaten run in the Europa League to a club-record 11 matches.

Outlook: Bundesliga against BVB and VFB

The Werkself now face two tough games back in the Bundesliga as they visit Borussia Dortmund this Sunday before hosting third-placed VfB Stuttgart the following Saturday at the BayArena.