Manchester United slumped to yet another surprising defeat, with West Ham United easing through to a 2-0 victory at the London Stadium this afternoon.
The Red Devils dominated possession, though only by a marginal amount. They failed to create any real opening, thanks to the rock-solid West Ham defence. The midfielders also lacked inspiration and kept losing possession time and time again.
As for the Hammers, they looked menacing every time they switch on their gears. A hard-working display throughout the ninety minutes sealed all three points for the hosts, who also showed tremendous discipline in defence.
Here is how Manuel Pellegrini’s men fared in their sensational victory over Man United this afternoon.
Lukasz Fabianski 8.5
Made a crucial save in the second-half to deny Harry Maguire from close range. It helped West Ham retain their one-goal advantage before they eventually double their lead. Yet another excellent performance in between the sticks from the Polish international.
Ryan Fredericks 9
It was a great game from Frederick, who looked extremely sharp early on in the game. He dealt with Daniel James quite competently and also went forward whenever it was required. The ex-Fulham star just keeps getting better and better.
Issa Diop 8
A brilliant defensive display from Diop, who was disciplined at the back and fended off the threat of Marcus Rashford. Did struggle one or two times, but it was a comprehensive performance overall.
Angelo Ogbonna 8
Complemented the contributions of Diop with some excellent support in the backline. The ex-Juventus ace continues to shine under Pellegrini.
Aaron Cresswell 10
Filling in for the suspended Arthur Masuaku, Cresswell has shown exactly what he is capable of. The left-back kept Andreas Pereira in his pockets while offering extensive attacking support to Felipe Anderson. His passing and combination play was top notch. Scored an impressive goal from free-kick to cap off an excellent display.
Declan Rice 8
Made an excellent challenge early on, which proved his authority in midfield. Didn’t allow Juan Mata to get too much space in the final third and offered defensive cover for the backline.
Andriy Yarmolenko 9
After a slow start to the game, Andriy Yarmolenko turned out to be one of the best players of the afternoon. The Ukrainian scored the opener before making a crucial block to deny Jesse Lingard late in the game. His combination play with Pablo Fornals and Fredericks was also eye-catching.
Mark Noble 8
Looked extremely rusty with his passes early on. But, the experienced midfielder grew into the game quite well, distributing possession and making intelligent tackles that restricted the Man United midfielders from dominating the game.
Pablo Fornals 7.5
Impressed in what was his second Premier League start for his new club. The Spaniard lacked communication with his teammates early on but grew into the game eventually. During the attacking phases, he was the one who helped the Hammers retain possession and circulate the ball in the final third.
Felipe Anderson 9.5
Anderson’s woes in front of goal continue. But, it was a tremendous attacking display from the Brazilian, who notably threaded an excellent ball to Yarmolenko for the opener. He also looked menacing whenever he had the ball and combined well with Cresswell on the left flank.
Sebastien Haller 9
Sebastien Haller’s work ethic was evident when he tracked back and helped West Ham win back possession countless times throughout the game. The Frenchman, despite failing to score, was effective not only in aerial duels but also in physical duels. The Hammers seem to have finally found their perfect number nine.
SUBSTITUTES
Jack Wilshere 7
Provided a lot of energy to the table after replacing the jaded Anderson in the 70th minute. Looked feisty going forward and failed to make any real difference.
Pablo Zabaleta N/A
Allowed Daniel James to make a dangerous run in behind the defence, which could have given United a chance to make a late turnaround.
Robert Snodgrass N/A
A late replacement for Yarmolenko.
