‘It was men against boys’ says Lyon chief Peter Bosz who is left waxing lyrical about West Ham after Europa League clash.
West Ham strode into the Europa League semi-finals with a superb 3-0 victory away at Lyon sealing a 4-1 aggregate win.
The Hammers will now play Eintracht Frankfurt in the last four after the Germans saw off Barcelona 4-3 on aggregate.
It will be West Ham’s first European semi-final since 1976.
Moyes got his tactics absolutely spot on as goals from man mountain Craig Dawson, talisman Declan Rice and star attacker Jarrod Bowen sealed an unforgettable triumph.
To a man West Ham’s players put in heroic performances when it mattered most.
Declan Rice admitted after the game that West Ham were fired up by Moussa Dembele’s now infamous wink after getting Aaron Cresswell sent off in the first leg and Lyon’s Twitter account suggesting there was no way the French side could lose at home to the Hammers.
But the man who matters most at Lyon has shown some much needed dignity in defeat.
Lyon chief Peter Bosz admitted ‘it was men against boys’ as he was left waxing lyrical about West Ham following his side’s defeat (L’Equipe).
‘It was men against boys’ says Lyon chief Peter Bosz who is left waxing lyrical about West Ham
“I am very disappointed, because I think we started well but we didn’t score,” Bosz told L’Equipe.
“We conceded a goal on a set piece. After that, it was difficult, it must be said. We played well for thirty minutes, after that it was difficult…”
“We were unlucky to hit the post. West Ham needed a corner. They scored, and after that it was difficult.
“They are a very good team with adult players who then managed the game well.
“It’s over in Europe, it’s hard (to take)…
“We did well up until the second half in London, because playing with 10 men against 11 we should have scored.
“West Ham are a good team. The first goal was important, because they are very compact and after this goal they played well on the counter. That’s their style. If we score and they have to open up, it’s a different match.
“We know that. We knew they were strong in the air and that we don’t have as many tall players as they do.”
Bosz makes an honest admission. Indeed it was like watching men against boys as West Ham showed much more maturity than their French opponents over the two legs.
The Hammers stood up to be counted while Lyon wilted after conceding on their own patch.
Hammers boss Moyes picked Michail Antonio out for special praise after an all-action performance in the win.
The Scot also praised Craig Dawson who was solid as a rock once again for the Irons.