EDSON ALVAREZ climbed off his sickbed to spark West Ham into life as they cruised into the Europa League last 16.
The Mexican, who missed the heavy defeat at Fulham with a stomach bug, provided a fine assist for Mohammed Kudus before scoring a goal of his own to end the group stages on a high – crucially in top spot.
David Moyes has been battling fatigue, illness and a hectic schedule in recent weeks, part of his reasoning for their heavy defeat at Fulham on Sunday.
After accusations of negative football the Hammers put on a show at times to ensure a third successive year as group winners in Europe.
Avoiding the extra burden of two pesky play-off games in February was key for the Hammers.
Freiburg were the only side who could pip West Ham to top spot, though a draw would still have been enough for the hosts after their win in Germany earlier this season.
Still Moyes was taking no chances and, aside from Kurt Zouma being rested, went as strong as possible with his team – despite this being the first of four games in nine days.
But the Scot’s decision to go with the big guns paid off, with a comfortable lead established before half-time.
West Ham fans have been crying out for more expansive football. This was hardly dazzling against a poor Freiburg, but they had near complete control, took their chances in the first half and played with confidence after the break.
Lucas Paqueta struck the bar after five minutes before Mexican midfielder Alvarez got to work soon after.
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Alvarez, who was a huge miss for the drubbing at Craven Cottage, clipped a smart ball over the top of Freiburg’s high line to set Kudus through one-on-one thanks to his well-timed run.
The Ghana international collected the ball on his chest, just about kept his balance and finished well past Noah Atubolu.
Having gone route one for the first goal, Alvarez showed he can do a bit of everything for the second.
The former Ajax man collected the ball in the Freiburg half, drove forward and exchanged passes with Jarrod Bowen before composing himself to double the lead on half-time.
With the two-goal cushion, West Ham looked to turn on the style after the break. Kudus was spinning on the halfway line just before Paqueta threw in a smart back-heel.
Bowen and Kudus both went close as the hosts piled on the pressure, playing with the pace and confidence which has been lacking in the Premier League.
To the frustration of the smaller than usual crowd, the handbrake went back on a little as West Ham looked to save energy for the weekend.
Few can argue with the results Moyes is delivering and any critics will soon be silenced if they can take this sort of performance into their domestic games against better opponents – starting with Wolves on Sunday.
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