David Moyes’ team has emerged victorious in 16 of their last 17 UEFA competition matches, propelling them to the top of Group A at an early stage.
The Hammers, who had scored in all nine of their matches this season, wasted little time extending that streak in their 10th outing. They took an early lead in the eighth minute when Jarrod Bowen’s perfectly weighted cross from the right found Lucas Paquetá. Paquetá executed an impressive jump to tower over Matthias Ginter and guide the ball beautifully into the far corner.
Freiburg had a sluggish start and were fortunate not to be two goals down shortly after when Mohammed Kudus’ low shot was fortuitously deflected onto the post by a nervous-looking Noah Atubolu in goal. Paquetá found the net again before the 15-minute mark, but the goal was disallowed for offside.
While Christian Streich’s team improved as the first half progressed, they managed just one shot and 0.02 xG in a disappointing display. Improvement was needed, and Freiburg equalized within four minutes of the restart. Ritsu Dōan, introduced at halftime, sliced open the Hammers’ defense to set up Roland Sallai. Łukasz Fabiański made a fantastic double save, denying both Sallai and Lukas Kübler before Sallai capitalized on the second rebound.
The West Ham goal was suddenly under pressure as Sallai was denied a second goal, Kilian Sildillia’s shot hit the post, and Lucas Höler inexplicably missed from close range on the follow-up. However, the tide turned again. Bowen’s dynamic run from the right was followed by a low drive that Atubolu saved well. West Ham retook the lead soon after through Nayef Aguerd, who headed home from a corner after Atubolu failed to claim the delivery.
Freiburg struggled to hang on, with Bowen and Paquetá narrowly missing chances as Moyes’ side sought to secure the victory. The visitors didn’t score a third goal, but Freiburg’s attempts were in vain as West Ham surged clear at the top of Group A, handing Freiburg their first defeat in eight UEFA Europa League group stage matches.