James Ward-Prowse believes West Ham United’s reaction to falling behind at Olympiacos did not come in time to turn their UEFA Europa League Group A matchday three tie around.
Lucas Paquetá’s fabulous 20-yard volley on 87 minutes halved the deficit at the Georgios Karaiskakis Stadium on Thursday evening, after the Greek hosts had established a two-goal advantage in the first-half through captain Kostas Fortounis and Angelo Ogbonna’s unfortunate own goal.
Paqueta’s finish had the travelling Claret and Blue Army hoping for further drama, and the potential of a very late equaliser, but a 2-1 defeat in Piraeus brought the Hammers’ record 17-match unbeaten run in Europe to an end.
Despite the loss, Ward-Prowse felt there were at least some positives to find for the travelling Irons, particularly in the second half, and in the wider context of West Ham’s European campaign.
The Irons still sit top of Group A and are in a strong position to secure qualification to the knock-out stages. Speaking to West Ham TV, the No7 is backing the side to learn from the defeat heading into Sunday’s home Premier League match with Everton and in the remainder of the UEFA Europa League group-stage ties.
James, The disappointment of losing a game never gets any easier to take, does it?
“No it doesn’t. There’s a bigger picture too in that there is a group to qualify from, but we’re disappointed. It’s not nice to lose two games in a row but I think it’s important we show a reaction on Sunday. There is a game every few days for us and there’s always an opportunity to make a difference just around the corner.”
How do you reflect on tonight's game against Olympiacos; a game played in unending noise from the home supporters?
“The atmosphere was fantastic and, as players, that’s the sort of arena you want to play in. But I thought we gifted them two goals and they didn’t really have to work too hard for them. To give any team two goals makes things difficult, especially at this level.
“But the positives were we came out in the second half and showed a reaction. Ultimately it came too late but it’s something to remember and we look forward to playing them again at London Stadium soon.”
These European experiences need to be cherished, don’t they, despite the disappointment we are feeling, because they don't come around every season?
“This is a fantastic competition and a fantastic level to be playing at. It’s one we should all be grateful for and, when you don’t put in a performance the occasion deserves, then it’s disappointing. We need to learn from it. It’s still been a really positive start to the season and, as I say, there is a game every few days to make a difference.”
If someone had said we’d be top of the group after three games, and two away ties, that wouldn’t be a bad place to be in?
“As I said, this is a disappointing loss. But the bigger picture is we’re in a really good position and ultimately it’s about qualifying out of the group. We’re still on course to do that but, of course, nobody likes losing.”
And now focus immediately turns to Everton on Sunday…
“Yes, which is a fantastic opportunity again. It will be good to be back playing at home, at London Stadium. The good thing about losing a game in these sorts of seasons is you’ve got an opportunity right around the corner to make amends. That’s what we have to focus on now.
“With the start we’ve had then, as a player, it’s arguably even worse when you lose a game because we’ve had a good run. When you don’t follow that up and get the momentum, it’s difficult. But we need to restart that again on Sunday.”
