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West Ham: Edson Alvarez finds creative spark as marvellous Mohammed Kudus terrifies defenders

Stars of the show: Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez led West Ham to Europa League victory over Freiburg (AP)
Stars of the show: Mohammed Kudus and Edson Alvarez led West Ham to Europa League victory over Freiburg (AP)

West Ham secured top spot in their Europa League group with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Freiburg on Thursday night.

The two sides had gone into the fixture level on points at the top of Group A, but with the Hammers needing only a point to guarantee direct qualification for the last 16 thanks to their superior head-to-head record.

Edson Alvarez was the star of the show, making Mohammed Kudus's first-half opener and then scoring the second himself to open his account for the club.

Here's how David Moyes' side rated at the London Stadium...

Lukasz Fabianski 7

Smart low save from Ritsu Doan preserved a welcome clean sheet, though with Alphonse Areola back on the bench he will likely drop out against Wolves.

Vladimir Coufal 6

Should've added to his growing assist tally with a great delivery but Bowen missed with the goal gaping.

Konstantinos Mavropanos 6

The one amendment to Moyes's first-choice side in place of Kurt Zouma. Needed a solid night after some shaky performances and got one.

Nayef Aguerd 6

As comfortable an evening as he has had for some time, with Freiburg no threat.

Emerson 7

Has quietly become such a reliable performer this season. Relationship with Lucas Paqueta is telepathic.

Tomas Soucek 7

Back in a deeper midfield role and alert when others dropped off after the break.

Edson Alvarez 8

Hardly renowned for his creativity but his pass to create the Kudus goal was a thing of beauty. Great drive and run for first Hammers goal.

Mohammed Kudus 8

Took the opener well having timed his run perfectly. Terrifies defenders and makes open road out of blind alleys.

James Ward-Prowse 7

Played in a more advanced role than usual, looking to run beyond Bowen. Brought decent tempo to attacks.

Lucas Paqueta 7

Has been playing through injury in recent weeks but this was a brighter showing. Nearly broke the crossbar in half with a terrific early effort.

Jarrod Bowen 7

Could've been quicker to get back onside for ruled out effort, for all the chance was unexpected. Played a lovely return for Alvarez goal, but missed an absolute sitter.

Substitutes

Pablo Fornals (Alvarez 54') 6

Has been ineffective when given the opportunity to play out wide of late but this was a nice cameo at No10.

Danny Ings (Bowen 72') 5

Divin Mubama (Paqueta 72') 6

Maxwel Cornet (Kudus 88') N/A

Thilo Kehrer (Coufal 88') N/A

Unused: Areola, Cresswell, Johnson, Zouma, Ogbonna, Coventry, Benrahma.