West Ham United have impressed so far under David Moyes and were favourites this afternoon against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane. The Blades, rock bottom in the Premier League standings, were desperate for a result but failed to deliver once more having suffered a 1-0 defeat as they could not cancel out Sebastien Haller’s second-half strike.
Below are the West Ham United players rated in their win against Sheffield United.
Lukasz Fabianski: 8
Denied Oliver McBurnie twice but was fortunate not to concede when the Scotsman hit the woodwork around the 75th-minute mark. A well-deserved clean-sheet for the Polish custodian.
Fabian Balbuena: 7
Was combative against McGoldrick and McBurnie. Won a few duels and made some crucial tackles, blocks and interceptions from the right-hand side of the Hammers’ ‘back three’.
Angelo Ogbonna: 7.5
Dominated aerially, was in the right place at the right time and used his experience well to keep things calm at the defensive third.
Aaron Cresswell: 7.5
Adjusted well in the backline and also made some timely runs utilizing the width of the pitch. His long balls were purposeful and the crosses whipped in by the Englishman were menacing as well.
Vladimir Coufal: 7
Has been an excellent acquisition as he delivered yet another stable performance from the right wingback slot. Dealt well defensively and made some key recoveries during the tie.
Declan Rice: 8
Dominated the midfield game and was unlucky as his thumping header hit the woodwork. Showed why he is rated so highly both at his club as well as the country level.
Tomas Soucek: 7
Played a key role in West Ham’s resurgence last season and has retained his place in the middle of the park for his physical presence and combative approach. Should have found the net in the first half but his volleyed effort went off target.
Arthur Masuaku: 7
Linked up well with Fornals and Lanzini later on down the left-hand flank and helped the backline too in the closing minutes when the hosts were pushing for an equalizer. Completed the most number of dribbles during the match.
Jarrod Bowen: 6.5
Was not at his best except a few impressive runs and cut insides from the right flank. Worked hard to regain possession and played his part in the build-ups. Made way for Mark Noble in the closing minutes of the fixture.
Pablo Fornals: 6.5
Has been an influence in the Irons revival and was tricky with his runs and movements from the other flank. Could have done better with his final ball though, before making way for Manuel Lanzini midway through the second half.
Sebastien Haller: 8.5
Struggled since his high-profile transfer last summer but proved to be the difference between these two sides when his powerful drive found the top corner. Had a few more chances which he could have converted.
Substitutes
Manuel Lanzini: 6.5
Had an impressive cameo since replacing Fornals down the left.
Mark Noble: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
