Three back to back wins in December guided West Ham United to a comfortable mid-table place in the Premier League standings after a dreadful inception to the new campaign. They were up against bottom-placed Fulham at Craven Cottage this evening but remained cautious due to the presence of ‘tinkerman’ Claudio Ranieri in the Cottagers’ dugout. However, it turned out to be a stroll in the park for the Hammers who scored twice in the first half an hour and ensured three more points to climb up to the top half of the league standings.
Below are the West Ham United players rated in their fascinating win against Fulham.
Lukasz Fabianski: 7
The custodian was tested at times but managed to deal with Fulham’s efforts and delivered a clean sheet to protect the early two-goal lead.
Pablo Zabaleta: 8
The veteran Argentine was mostly confined to defensive duties against Andre Schurrle and also made timely overlapping runs to whip in crosses inside the opposition box.
Fabian Balbuena: 7.5
Strong presence at the back with tackles, duels and interceptions. Made a number of no-nonsense clearances and helped his side win three more points on the road.
Issa Diop: 7.5
Made some timely blocks and tackles. Also played the ball out from the deep exhibiting his passing traits. The youngster must be content with his display after settling in his new surroundings.
Arthur Masuaku: 7
Masuaku struggled at times against Aboubakar Kamara but combined well with Felipe Anderson down the left flank while making moves high up the pitch. Also concentrated on his defensive duties and delivered a balanced display throughout.
Robert Snodgrass: 8.5
Scored with an exquisite finish early in the game. Terrorised the Cottagers’ depleted defence with his dribbles, physicality, pace and crossing attributes from the right wing.
Mark Noble: 7
Showed his composure in midfield to win back possession and carry the ball forward for his teammates.
Declan Rice: 7
The youngster got dispossessed a few times, but his movement all over the pitch never allowed the hosts to dominate the midfield game.
Felipe Anderson: 8.5
The Brazilian once again showed his excellence down the wings with timely crosses, defence-splitting deliveries and goal-bound contribution. He first assisted Snodgrass for the Hammers’ openers and also played his part in Antonio’s strike that doubled the lead within half an hour.
Michail Antonio: 7.5
Found the net to make it 2-0 and also helped the midfield have control over the game despite being away from home. Was replaced by Grady Diangana in the closing minutes of the game.
Javier Hernandez: 7.5
The Mexican hitman is having a run of games following Marko Arnautovic’s injury blow and lived up to the expectations with a persistent contribution upfront. Did not find the net today but assisted Antonio who had only Sergio Rico to beat. Was replaced by Andy Carroll midway through the second half.
Substitutes
Pedro Obiang: 6.5
Did his job well to marshall the backline and keep hold of the ball in the middle of the park to avoid any late drama.
Andy Carroll: 6
Used his physicality inside the box and often made things look difficult for Fulham backline.
Grady Diangana: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
