West Ham United notched up a convincing victory at home in their match against Southampton earlier today. Marko Arnautovic ended his goal drought since January with a brace while Ryan Fredericks scored his first Premier League goal for the Hammers to sum up a disastrous afternoon for the Saints.
The Hammers came out all guns blazing from the very first and got the first goal in the 16th minute of the match via the Austrian’s sweet strike. He doubled the lead in the second half by heading a pinpoint cross from Masuaku into the net. This was followed by a well taken shot from Fredericks to add a third to the scoreline. The Saints never looked like mounting a comeback and were completely outplayed.
Here is how the West Ham United players were rated from their win against Southampton.
Łukasz Fabiański: 7
Did not have much to do with most of the action taking place on the other end of the pitch. Only made a single save in the entire match.
Ryan Fredericks: 7
A brilliant display of pace and prowess down the right flank as he went into the opposition half with the ball. Played a quick one-two with Jack Wilshere to score the third goal for his side to wrap up a productive outing.
Fabián Balbuena: 6.5
Looked a little pressurised in the first quarter of the match but grew in confidence with the progress. Did not give the opposition players much space to take free aim on the goal.
Issa Diop: 7
Kept playing on Shane Long’s shoulders throughout the match. Offered the opposition strikers absolutely no opening to capitalise on.
Arthur Masuaku: 7
A decent outing both defensively as well as in attack for the left-back. Kept the Saints attackers at bay while he probed into the opposition half with his darting runs. Delivered an inch-perfect cross for Arnautovic to notch up his second goal of the match.
Mark Noble: 8
By far the best midfielder on the pitch. Vied for the ball, snatched it away on several occasions and played it in the path of the attackers to initiate attacks from the midfield. Did not let the absence of Declan Rice have any impact on the side’s winning mentality.
Pedro Obiang: 6
Did well in the first half to break down the opposition attacks. Looked a little fatigued in the second half.
Grady Diangana: 6
His quick runs into the opposition half caused some trouble for the Saints defence. Lacked the accuracy on his passes though.
Manuel Lanzini: 6.5
Played some accurate passes to initiate the early attacks. Lacked a little bit of composure in the second half but kept getting into the opposition box.
Michail Antonio: 7
Deceived the Saints with his fast runs and physicality. Attracted attention from the defenders which allowed free space for Arnautovic to capitalise on.
Marko Arnautović: 8
The West Ham talisman finally got back among the goals with a brace on the night. Read the game brilliantly, and his work rate was also impressive.
Substitutes
Jack Wilshere: 7
Played a brilliant one-two with Ryan Fredericks to set him up for the third goal. Kept getting into the box and even tried to have a go at the goal but was stopped.
Carlos Sanchez: NA
Good to see him back on the pitch after the injury nightmare. Played too little to warrant a rating though.
Lucas Perez: NA
Played too little to warrant a rating.
