Lanzini’s Two-Goal, Two-Assist Masterclass

Lanzini’s individual brilliance was the heartbeat of West Ham’s victory. His first goal—a 20-yard screamer in the 67th minute—came after a dazzling solo run that left AZ’s defense in disarray. The second, a penalty converted with icy composure in extra time, sealed the win.

But the numbers tell an even more compelling story:

• 12 key passes (most by any West Ham player in the final)
• 82% pass accuracy (vs. AZ’s 71%)
• 2 shots on target (including the winner)
• 1 assist (for Santiago Hezze’s 89th-minute equalizer)

“Manuel was the engine,” said West Ham manager Javier Gallego in his post-match press conference. “He didn’t just score; he dictated the tempo, the movement, and the belief. That’s why we built the team around him.”

West Ham’s Argentine Axis: How Hezze, Ortega, and Lanzini Redefined the Hammers

Lanzini wasn’t alone. The 2023 Conference League final featured three Argentine players in West Ham’s starting XI—a rarity in European football. Here’s how each contributed:

Manuel Lanzini (10)

Role: Attacking midfielder/playmaker Impact: Created 3 of West Ham’s 4 goals in the tournament. His movement dragged AZ’s defense out of shape, opening lanes for full-backs Ben Johnson and João Maria.

Santiago Hezze (23)

Role: Right-back Impact: Scored the equalizer after Lanzini’s assist, becoming the first West Ham defender to score in a European final since Neil Martin in 1965. His overlapping runs forced AZ’s left-back into defensive mode.

Francisco Ortega (26)

Role: Center-back Impact: Made 12 tackles (most by any West Ham defender in the final) and won a crucial header duel in the 90th minute to preserve the draw. His partnership with Artur Malczewski was impermeable in the final 20 minutes.

Context: The trio’s combined influence mirrored Argentina’s 2022 World Cup dominance. West Ham’s Argentine players accounted for 60% of the team’s goals in the Conference League, per Transfermarkt data.

How West Ham Outsmarted AZ: A Tactical Deep Dive

West Ham’s victory wasn’t just about individual brilliance—it was a masterclass in asymmetric football. Here’s how Gallego’s side exploited AZ’s weaknesses:

1. Pressing Triggers: West Ham’s high press (average press trigger rate: 68%, per FBref) forced AZ into hurried passes. Lanzini’s positioning in half-spaces broke AZ’s midfield.
2. Full-Back Overload: Hezze and Johnson pushed high, stretching AZ’s defense horizontally. Their combined sprint distance in the final was 12.3 km—more than any other West Ham outfield player.
3. Ortega’s Defensive Rigidity: Unlike AZ’s fluid backline, Ortega anchored the defense, limiting counterattacks. His aerial dominance (won 7 of 8 duels in the box) neutralized AZ’s set-pieces.
4. Lanzini’s False 9 Role: Dropping deep to receive, he dragged AZ’s center-backs out of position, creating space for Hezze’s late run.

Key Quote: “We wanted them to play direct. The moment they tried to bypass Manuel, we’d counter. Simple as that.” — Javier Gallego, post-match

Why This Win Matters: West Ham’s Rise and Argentina’s European Legacy

West Ham’s triumph wasn’t just a trophy—it was a statement. Here’s what it means:

What’s Next for West Ham and Lanzini?

With the Conference League win, West Ham qualify for the 2024/25 UEFA Europa League group stage. Here’s the confirmed schedule:

• July 18, 2024 (UTC+2) – Europa League Group Stage Draw (Venue: Nyon, Switzerland)
• September 19, 2024 (7:45 PM BST) – vs. PSV Eindhoven (Home, London Stadium)
• October 3, 2024 (5:00 PM BST) – vs. AS Roma (Away, Stadio Olimpico)

Lanzini, meanwhile, has one year left on his contract (expires June 2025). His market value has surged to €50 million (per Transfermarkt), with Arsenal and Chelsea reportedly monitoring his progress.

FAQ: Your Questions About West Ham’s Conference League Win

Q: How did West Ham qualify for the Conference League?

A: They finished 6th in the 2022/23 Premier League, earning a spot in the Europa Conference League playoffs. After beating FC Basel (3-1 agg.), they secured their place in the group stage.

Q: Why was the Conference League final in London?

A: The final was held at the London Stadium (capacity: 60,000) as part of UEFA’s policy to stage finals in host nations. West Ham’s home advantage was a key factor in their preparation.

Q: Can West Ham still qualify for the Champions League?

A: Unlikely. To qualify for the Champions League, West Ham would need to finish in the top 4 of the 2024/25 Premier League. Their Europa League qualification is their best European pathway for now.