Jarrod Bowen said a fast start was crucial to West Ham overturning a 1-0 first-leg deficit to get past Freiburg in the Europa League last 16.

A late goal in Germany gave David Moyes' side an uphill task to make the quarter-finals but Lucas Paqueta's early opener calmed nerves at the London Stadium.

Bowen nudged the Hammers ahead in the tie after striking from the edge of the area after 32 minutes before laying on the assist for Aaron Cresswell's effort soon after half-time.

Mohammed Kudus then put the contest beyond doubt with a mazy run and finish and Bowen delivered his final contribution of the night, teeing up his Ghanaian colleague to make it 5-0.

The England forward, 27, told TNT Sports: "We knew we had to take the game to them. We knew there'd be goals if we fully went for it.

"It's what we needed. We needed a reaction and we got it. Everyone thrives off it. The fans want to see it as well.

"This season we haven't been consistent. Tonight, we played on the the front foot from the start.

“We got ourselves so far ahead it was pretty comfortable in the end.

"I'm so happy for him [Kudus]. He has that quality in him. He's so sharp. He deserves everything."

The Irons will discover their opponents in the final eight in tomorrow's draw which starts from midday in Nyon, Switzerland.

Moyes' men return to Premier League action when they host Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, where they will look to close the four-point gap to Manchester United in sixth in the table.