- Hammers boss Slaven Bilic was delighted as his side progressed to the Europa League play-off stages
- Cheikhou Kouyate and Sofiane Feghouli were on the scoresheet in the 3-0 win over NK Domzale
- Bilic said it was special to step out in front of 54,000
It was a special night according to West Ham boss Slaven Bilic, after his side progressed to the Europa League play-off stages with a 3-0 victory in the Club’s new home.
A super strike from Sofiane Feghouli came after a Cheikhou Kouyate first half double to down NK Domzale and record a 4-2 aggregate victory over their Slovenian opponents.
And in front of a 54,000-strong crowd in the London Stadium, Bilic said his team deserved the convincing result.
He said: “It was a special kind of game for us, the first game at the new Stadium. We played good football. It was totally different to the game in Slovenia.
“The early goal helped, but we deserved it. We pushed and concentrated for the whole 90 minutes but 3-0 is a good result for us. We are through and it’s important because it is in front of the crowd in the new Stadium. It was a good night for West Ham.
“We deserved it, played some good stuff and the crowd could enjoy some of our beautiful moves from the whole team. I like the way we defended and attacked.”
Kouyate bagged a double
Domzale, three games into their domestic season, were better prepared for the clash, according to Bilic, but the Hammers fought to comfortably reduce their opponents to few chances on goal.
And the Croatian moved to praise his goalscorers who, to the delight of the packed crowd, sealed the victory for the east Londoners.
“Cheikhou has a great engine and determination and quality and those large, long strides make the pitch look small when he’s covering it,” Bilic continued. “He’s a great asset.
“Sometimes when he plays deeper it limits his movement up front. He’s a top player and he’s getting in good shape.
“Sofiane Feghouli is a special kind of player and that’s why we’re happy to get him. He scored a great goal and could have got more. He works hard for the team.
“He still isn’t in his best shape, which is normal for this stage, and when he does, we’re expecting great things from him.
“It was brilliant to go out in front of a packed, loud Stadium. We enjoyed it.”