West Ham United hosted Cardiff City at the London Stadium after a resounding win against Newcastle United where they ran out 3-0 winners. The Hammers went on to secure another three points by clinching a 3-1 victory after two quickfire goals in the second half from ‘Super-sub’ Lucas Perez ensured the win.
Pellegrini’s men dominated the proceedings for the most parts in the first half, but Cardiff were also threatening once in a while on the counter. Incidentally, the best chance fell to the away side as Marko Arnautovic conceded a needless penalty which Joe Ralls failed to convert. As the half went by, the Bluebirds slowly started to make their presence felt, and the game ended 0-0 at halftime.
However, the game turned quickly in the second half as Lucas Perez scored two quick goals after replacing Arnautovic who had to be substituted because of an injury. Michail Antonio added a third from a corner, and the visitors’ shoulders dropped after that as the Hammers enjoyed a comfortable game. Here is how they fared.
Lukasz Fabianski 8
Was brilliant on the night as he had an answer to everything that was thrown at him. Saved a penalty and his handling was also smooth. His save was the turning point of the game. Unlucky to miss out on a clean sheet.
Arthur Masuaku 6
Did his defensive duties well and made some good forward runs. Was sloppy in possession sometimes and that is something he can improve upon in future matches.
Issa Diop 7.5
Callum Patterson wasn’t able to go past him as he read the situation well and smothered any attack which the visiting side built up. Looked comfortable with the ball on his feet. Had an easy night overall as apart from a few moments, Cardiff were below par.
Angelo Ogbonna 6.5
Deputised for the injured Fabian Balbuena and did an alright job at the back. Could have scored through a header. Can improve with his distribution.
Michail Antonio 8
Was always threatening with his forward runs. Made his physical presence felt when he scored through a header. Was not tested much defensively.
Declan Rice 7
Carried the ball well from deep areas in midfield. His composure on the ball really makes him stand out. Shielded the back four well when Cardiff looked to break but apart from a few occasions, the Irishman had a comfortable night.
Mark Noble 6
Kept things moving in midfield and made some good tackles in the second half. Nothing too flashy from the captain.
Robert Snodgrass 8
Assisted the first and third goal. Picked out Perez with a smart pass for the first goal and then delivered a pinpoint corner for the third one. Top performance from the wide man.
Felipe Anderson 8
Was brilliant, especially in the second half, and his defence-splitting passes were worth mentioning. Was a constant threat while going forward.
Javier Hernandez 5
Wasn’t involved much in the game and couldn’t make any impact. Was substituted around the hour mark
Marko Arnautovic 4
He was in the thick of things from the beginning. Squandered an excellent chance to put his side in the lead. Gave away a penalty when he unnecessarily barged onto his man. Was substituted early because of a hamstring issue.
Substitutes
Lucas Perez 9
Was thrust into action out of nowhere because of Arnautovic’s injury. The former Arsenal forward showed his class in the second half, and his smart finishing secured all three points for his side as he bagged a brace.
Andy Carroll 6
Made a comeback after a long injury layoff and got some much need minutes under his belt. Can be blamed for the goal which his side conceded through a corner.
Grady Diangana 6
Looked sharp and made some good runs into the box.
