West Ham United had been the team in-form of late as despite a slow start they had climbed up to the top half of the Premier League standings banking on four successive wins in December. Manuel Pellegrini, the Hammers boss, heaped praises on his team’s unity and was determined to continue the streak at home yesterday afternoon against Watford. The fixture at London Stadium was supposed to be a close contest. However, it turned out to be a massive upset for the Irons who suffered a 2-0 defeat to drop down to twelfth in the league tally.
Below are the West Ham United players rated in their 2-0 disappointment against Watford.
Lukasz Fabianski: 6
Conceded from the spot when Troy Deeney made no mistake in putting the ball into the back of the net. But the custodian made an excellent stop to deny Abdoulaye Doucouré midway in the second half and kept the Hammers in contention to stage a comeback.
Pablo Zabaleta: 6.5
The veteran kept on creating chances from the right flank with his overlapping runs. Combined well with Robert Snodgrass to win set-pieces but looked worn-out completely in closing minutes when Gerard Deulofeu doubled the lead to ensure three massive points for the Hornets.
Fabian Balbuena: 5
Made some crucial blocks in early minutes but pulled down Roberto Pereyra inside the box which earned the visitors a spot-kick which was converted by skipper Deeney. Hurt himself in the process and was replaced by Angelo Ogbonna around the half-hour mark.
Issa Diop: 6
Made some crucial clearances but clumsy while tackling. Misplaced a few passes and lost his cool in the closing seconds to earn himself a booking after tripping Isaac Success.
Arthur Masuaku: 6
Should have been more organised at the back but tried his best to threaten upfront with overlapping runs, crosses and goal-bound efforts.
Robert Snodgrass: 5.5
Has been in fine form lately but could not break Watford’s defensive resilience this afternoon. Forced Ben Foster to make a save and also saw his efforts being blocked by the opponents’ resilient backline.
Mark Noble: 5
Tried to play long balls, cross-field passes to stretch the game. Lacked composure in the middle of the park and struggled against the physical presence of Doucoure and Etienne Capoue. Was taken off just before the hour mark to be replaced by Andy Carroll.
Declan Rice: 6.5
The youngster had an early chance from a corner but failed to generate enough power to direct his header beyond Foster in the Hornets goal. Worked hard in midfield, won back possession on many occasions, and also showed his ability to tackle and intercept opponents’ moves.
Felipe Anderson: 6
The in-form Brazilian was closely monitored by Kiko Femenía as he saw his efforts being blocked on a number of occasions. Created chances for his teammates which, however, were not converted due to lack of finishing and exquisite defensive attributes from the visitors.
Javier Hernandez: 5.5
Was denied spectacularly by Foster from close range but scuffled his chances after the break which stopped the hosts from staging a comeback. Was replaced by Grady Diangana with 15 minutes remaining in the second half.
Michail Antonio: 6
His pace and physicality often troubled the Watford defence. Came close to scoring but hit the woodwork in the closing minutes which could have salvaged a point from the game.
Substitutes
Angelo Ogbonna: 6.5
Came in place of Balbuena. Won plenty of duels and also made some crucial clearances throughout the game.
Andy Carroll: 6
Caused problems inside the box with his aerial and physical supremacy. Looked lively but could not find the net despite the best of his efforts.
Grady Diangana: 5.5
Showed his skills but failed to contribute enough to alter the scoreline.
