David Moyes celebrated a job well done after West Ham waltzed into the last 16 of the Europa League with a game to spare by beating Rapid Vienna 2-0.
First-half goals from Andriy Yarmolenko and Mark Noble in Austria wrapped up top spot in Group H for Moyes’ side.
The Hammers go straight through to the knockout stage having avoided a play-off in February against a team dropping down from the Champions League.
“Job done, yeah,” said Moyes. “We did a professional job tonight and throughout the group stage we’ve done a good job.
“It’s great credit to the players for the way they have gone about the job for a group relatively new to Europe.
“It’s something I’ve not taken in yet. I knew we could get the job done but I think tonight we have not played as well as we have done, but we did enough to get us through.
“It’s probably a good sign that I’m not totally pleased with the way we played but we’ve won relatively comfortably.”
They took the lead six minutes before half-time when Nikola Vlasic crossed from the left and Yarmolenko was left with a simple header back across goal.
It was a first Hammers goal since January for the Ukraine international, who has played only 52 minutes in the Premier League this season.
Yarmolenko had a big hand in the second goal in first-half stoppage time after he turned Rapid skipper Maximilian Hofmann in the area and was brought down.
Captain Noble, a man clearly relishing this European adventure in his 18th and final season at the club, made no mistake from the spot.
“Mark’s made such a contribution throughout the years at West Ham and it’s his final year as everyone knows, and he’s contributing still,” added Moyes.
“He’s a valuable member of the team and I always thought he would be needed with all the extra games. And he’s certainly helped us out.”
West Ham’s evening was almost capped by a debut goal from 17-year-old substitute Sonny Perkins, whose header produced a fine reflex save from Rapid keeper Paul Gartler.
“I’ve given quite a few 17-year-olds a debut,” said Moyes. “And one or two 16-year-olds. I think it’s really good.
“He’s really disappointed he didn’t score the header. But our under-23s are doing well and they are beginning to knock on the door.”