West Ham fans of a certain vintage get misty-eyed when they remember the last time they saw their side in a major European semi-final. The rain was incessant, the pitch a muddy mess and those who were there insist that Upton Park was packed three hours before kick-off, the atmosphere bubbling and the nervous tension rising as the crowd prepared to roar John Lyall’s side on against Eintracht Frankfurt 46 years ago.
It was one of those wild East End nights, an occasion that has gone down in claret and blue folklore, and inevitably there have been plenty of references to it during the buildup to one of the biggest games in the club’s history. The boys of 1976 were at the training ground this week, regaling David Moyes with tales of their run to the final of the Cup Winners’ Cup in 1976, and there is a temptation to assume that victory is written in the stars given that Frankfurt again stand in West Ham’s way as they attempt to keep their European adventure going.
This is a chance for the class of 2022 to write a new story. West Ham have attacked the Europa League with relish, and excitement levels are high before their semi-final. “I don’t think I’ve ever looked forward to a game so much,” Mark Noble said, capturing the mood before the first leg at the London Stadium on Thursday night. “Winning the competition would be life-changing for all these players, and also for a club and fanbase that has really stuck with their team.”
Nobody needs to tell Noble how much this means to West Ham. The 34-year-old midfielder has seen it all since his debut 18 years ago and, although he pointed out that Frankfurt deserve respect after beating Barcelona in the last eight, he has been dreaming about closing his career by lifting the Europa League trophy in Sevilla next month. “I wouldn’t be disrespectful to Frankfurt,” Noble said. “But I would be lying if I said I don’t think about it.”
Noble is desperate to go out on a high. He has not played in a better West Ham side. “Sometimes you get an incredible mix of talent, hard work, honesty,” the club captain said. “A group of players that have got no egos and work for each other. A manager who doesn’t let anything slide, who demands hard work. That’s worked. But we’ve also got some very, very good players.”
West Ham are united. Noble praised Craig Dawson, an unfashionable defender who has excelled throughout this run, and he summed up the squad’s togetherness when the focus switched to Declan Rice, the talisman and midfield general. “Dec’s a better person than he is a player,” he said. “And we all know how good Dec is. He’s one of the best in the world.”
West Ham will need a strong performance from Rice against Frankfurt. Injuries in central defence have given Moyes a headache. Angelo Ogbonna and Issa Diop are out, and Kurt Zouma has only a slight chance of being on the bench after stepping up his recovery on an ankle injury.
It would be a huge boost if Zouma returns, although Moyes does not want to rush the Frenchman back before next week’s second leg. The likelihood is that West Ham will continue with a back three of Dawson, Aaron Cresswell and Ben Johnson, even if that means leaving out Pablo Fornals or Manuel Lanzini in attacking midfield and playing slightly more cautiously.
Equally Moyes will know that West Ham, who defeated Sevilla in extra time in the last 16 and produced a stunning performance to win their quarter-final against Lyon, are capable of hurting Frankfurt. Oliver Glasner’s side, ninth in the Bundesliga, also have problems at the back. Evan Ndicka and Kristijan Jakic are suspended and regular watchers of Frankfurt are worried about them giving Jarrod Bowen too much space on the flanks.
West Ham, who are strong at home, are entitled to feel optimistic. They have come so far and are three games away from Champions League qualification. “I was joking with the lads the other day,” said Noble, who has no intention of reversing his decision to retire. “I’d happily come and watch the Champions League games with the Europa League trophy on the next chair. But that is way down the line.” First they have to get past Frankfurt. History is on the line.
