Stat Attack: All you need to know about West Ham 3-1 FCSB

West Ham kicked off their Europa Conference League campaign with a 3-1 win against Romanian side FCSB — in a match only played due to concerns over fan safety. 

Following direction from the FA and UEFA, the Group B encounter at the London Stadium went ahead despite the announcement of Queen Elizabeth II’s death.

Talks between the governing bodies and the Hammers were held prior to the game but with thousands of supporters, including 3,000 from Romania, already in the stadium when the news from Buckingham Palace broke, it was decided the best option was to play the game. 

And in the heart of the Olympic Park named after Her Majesty, there was a minute’s reflection before kick-off and a spontaneous chorus of God Save The Queen from the crowd, while players from both clubs wore black armbands. 

Goals from Jarrod Bowen, Emerson Palmieri and Michail Antonio ensured West Ham, twice knocked out of the Europa League by Romanian side Astra Giurgiu in 2015 and 2016, came from behind to beat a team lying 13th in Romania’s Liga 1. 

FCSB, formerly part of one-time European Cup winners Steaua Bucharest, took a shock lead in the 34th minute when Darius Olaru whipped in a low cross for Andrei Cordea to tap home. 

Hammers boss David Moyes made a triple change at the break with Antonio, Bowen and record signing Lucas Paqueta replacing Said Benrahma, Manuel Lanzini and Gianluca Scamacca. 

The hosts equalised in the 69th minute when Maxwel Cornet challenged FCSB keeper Stefan Tarnovanu for a high ball and French referee Benoit Bastien pointed to the spot. 

Cornet had to go off after receiving lengthy treatment before Bowen stepped up to rifle the penalty high into the net. 

Five minutes later, ex-Chelsea left-back Emerson pounced following a goalmouth scramble and Antonio wrapped up the scoring with seconds remaining.  

Did you know?

The Hammers dominated the ball against their Romanian opponents, enjoyed 65.7% of the possession at the London Stadium.

Thet dominance was reflected by the 21 total shots they had during the match, compared to just nine from the visitors. 

Seven of West Ham’s efforts were on target, whereas FCSB only managed four. 

Moyes’ side completed 84.9% of their passes and also won 10 corners.

FCSB came out on top when it came it came to tackles, winning 71.4% of their challenges. The Hammers were only just behind on 66.7%.