Spending millions in the summer window under veteran Manuel Pellegrini did not help West Ham to come out of their ongoing misery. They lost the first four Premier League outings but bounced back spectacularly against Everton clinching a 3-1 win at Goodison Park. A draw against high-flying Chelsea followed by an incredible 3-1 triumph over struggling Manchester United put the Hammers’ season back on track. However, the streak did not continue any longer as they were hunted down by Brighton & Hove Albion at Amex following a first-half strike from veteran Glenn Murray that proved to be the winner yesterday night.
Below are the West Ham United players rated in their 1-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion.
Lukasz Fabianski: 6
Could have done little to stop Glenn Murray’s strike as the 35-year-old Englishman exhibited great goal-poaching instinct to find the net. Made a few routine stops but the damage was done already as the Hammers could not bounce back in the game despite a much-improved second half.
Pablo Zabaleta: 5.5
The veteran Argentine was often out of position defensively due to his overlapping runs forward, and the Seagulls exploited West Ham down the left flank. Beram Kayal found Murray inside the box without any resistance from wide and the Englishman broke the deadlock without any difficulty. The right fullback, however, had an improved second half but failed to influence a comeback to avoid a defeat.
Fabian Balbuena: 6.5
The Paraguayan delivered a strong defensive display. Won majority of duels, was spot-on with his interceptions and made a few no-nonsense clearances as well. Left a mark despite the disappointment.
Issa Diop: 6
The young Frenchman should have done better to judge the flight of Kayal’s cross but played decent football otherwise as he offered great physical presence and calmness in the Hammers’ backline.
Arthur Masuaku: 5.5
Was dispossessed time and again. Tried to contribute in the attacking third but his final deliveries lacked quality and variety.
Declan Rice: 6
Featured as a midfield blocker in front of West Ham’s back four. Maintained accuracy while distributing the ball. However, most of his passes were safe and lacked creativity. Won a few duels but was not effective while carrying it forward from the middle of the park.
Andriy Yarmolenko: 5
Lost possession carelessly which led the hosts to finding the net. Lacked enough intent in the attacking third but failed to trouble Albion before being replaced by Lucas Perez.
Mark Noble: 5.5
Worked hard, played plenty of passes but the final ball let him down on repeated occasions. Was eventually taken off to be replaced by Robert Snodgrass late in the game.
Pedro Obiang: 6
Spot on with his tackles to win back possession, and showed the technical ability to form attacking movements but lacked the execution in front of goal. Was replaced by Michail Antonio around the hour mark.
Felipe Anderson: 7
The Brazilian was not successful with his dribbles tonight but whipped in plenty of crosses from the left that often troubled the Brighton backline.
Marko Arnautovic: 5
Started the game brightly but faded off soon and wasted a golden opportunity in the closing seconds when he skied his effort from the edge of the six-yard box.
Substitutes
Michail Antonio: 5.5
Tried to terrorise the hosts with his pace and physicality but failed to make any noteworthy contribution since replacing Obiang.
Lucas Perez: 5.5
Created a glorious chance late in the game but it was Arnautovic who skied his effort from close range.
Robert Snodgrass: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
