West Ham fans loved one photo in particular from last night’s 2-0 Europa League win over Rapid Vienna.
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The Hammers put in a thoroughly professional performance in Austria last night.
The three points secured our passage into the last 16 of the Europa League with one group stage game to spare – a quite incredible feat considering the lack of European experience amongst the West Ham team.
Aside from the three points, there was one thing in particular for the West Ham fans to get very excited about.
Sonny Perkins, 17, made his senior debut for the Hammers in Vienna. And the young star made a huge impression.
The talented teenager came on as a 75th minute substitute against Rapid Vienna last night and almost scored immediately after entering the game.
His header was brilliantly saved by the Rapid Vienna goalkeeper and he was denied a magical debut.
Aside from that though, Perkins put in a real shift. He worked really hard, looked very good in possession and seemed to be more than ready to make the step up to senior level.
West Ham fans love photo from 2-0 win against Rapid Vienna
The 17-year-old starlet proved that he has what it takes to make it at the very highest level.
He has already endeared himself to the Hammers faithful.
One picture summed up Perkins’ debut against Rapid Vienna last night perfectly:
Noble was clearly very impressed with his young teammate’s display against the Austrian side.
For Perkins to make his debut in the Europa League and produce the goods really did say a lot about him as a player and a character.
The photo showing Sonny Perkins with Mark Noble signalled the changing of the guard at the London Stadium. With Noble close to retiring, Perkins seems to be the next young star coming through.
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Some West Ham fans took to Twitter in reaction to the brilliant photo of Perkins and Noble sharing an embrace at full-time:
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