West Ham manager Slaven Bilic's decision to put out a young, largely inexperienced side for the second leg of their Europa League third qualifying round tie at Astra Giurgiu backfired when the Romanians ran out 2-1 winners.
The Hammers, who had let slip a two-goal lead and conceded a last-gasp equaliser in the first leg last week, went out 4-3 on aggregate on Thursday.
It had all started so well as a goal from debutant Manuel Lanzini inside three minutes put them ahead.
But two quick goals in three minutes from skipper Constantin Budescu, after 33 and 36 minutes, put the Romanians in the driving seat.
Bilic defended his decision to rest a host of first-choice players ahead of their Premier League opener against Arsenal on Sunday.
"It is a good experience for a few of the youngsters but some of the guys who played tonight showed us they are going to be very useful," said Bilic.
AFP
