In the next instalment of our 2023/24 Season Review, we revisit the Irons' fortunes in a jam-packed March that featured a thrilling win on the European stage…
March brought a welcome return to UEFA Europa League action as the Hammers were drawn to face SC Freiburg – a side they beat home and away in the group stage – for a place in the quarter-finals.
Following a 1-0 defeat in the round-of-16 first leg, West Ham United produced a record-breaking performance at London Stadium to sweep aside the German Bundesliga outfit 5-0, and 5-1 on aggregate, advancing to the last eight of a continental competition for the third successive season in style.
A record win in Europe was set in motion by Lucas Paquetá and Jarrod Bowen, who scored ahead of the break to get the party started, before David Moyes' men finished the job impeccably in the second half.
Aaron Cresswell made it 3-0 with a precise finish, then Mohammed Kudus scored a stunning double – including a Goal of the Season award winner - to put gloss on the scoreline on a memorable night under the lights.
In the Premier League, the best outing in March saw West Ham produce a stunning showing at Goodison Park to beat Everton 3-1.
Alphonse Areola’s heroics and second-half goals from Kurt Zouma, Tomáš Souček and Edson Álvarez combined to secure a superb comeback victory on the road.
The Irons could have been heading to a fourth defeat in five top-flight matches when Beto, who had seen his spot-kick saved by Areola moments before half-time, headed the home side in front eleven minutes after the break.
But former Everton loanee Zouma rose highest to head in James Ward-Prowse’s corner just six minutes later to score his second goal of the season.
Souček then silenced Goodison Park with a sensational finish one minute into added time, before Álvarez emptied the famous old stadium – the jubilant 3,000-strong Claret and Blue Army aside – by converting at the end of a superb counter-attack.
A sixth away win of the season took Moyes’ side through the 40-point barrier and back up to seventh place in the table.
Across March, the Hammers did fall to a 4-3 defeat at Newcastle United, however they did pick up important draws against Aston Villa and Burnley too.
