Three away visits meant three losses for Slaven Bilic’s Hammers but the stage was finally set for their arrival back home. In the London Stadium, West Ham United hosted an upbeat Huddersfield Town knowing that everything they held dear now was at risk but they responded and they hammered Huddersfield and Wagner hard in the first half.
However, it was the second half goals from Obiang and Andre Ayew, that was enough to secure three huge points for Slaven Bilic. Here is how we have rated the West Ham United players on the night.
GK: Joe Hart – 7/10
Had to be alert all evening and his alertness did come in handy on some occasions, for example, Mounie’s effort from outside of his boot needed a hand of reassurance from Hart to keep it out. He would be absolutely delighted with a clean-sheet finally!
RWB: Pablo Zabaleta – 8/10
Terrific performance today right from the beginning. He was aggressive with his pressing, very tidy with defending and ball control was exquisite on some occasions. Everything clicked for Zabaleta today and hopefully, he gets consistent from here.
CB: Jose Fonte – 7/10
His presence wasn’t overwhelming but he was a vital player today with Bilic choosing to go ahead with 3 at the back. He kept his discipline and involved himself to defend whenever needed.
CB: Winston Reid – 7/10
Aerially he was good today. He won 4 straight tackles and made plenty of clearances as well. Complemented his other two mates at the back perfectly.
CB: James Collins – 8/10
Answered his critics with a rock-solid display. There was hardly a time in the game where anything was not going in his favour. From clearances to interceptions to winning duels he did it all! Top class from Collins.
LWB: Aaron Cresswell – 6.5/10
Should improve on his end product which specifically includes crossing but from the defensive point of view, he fared well.
CM: Cheikhou Kouyate – 7/10
He was all over the midfield trying to win the ball back on occasions or passing his way out. There was no negative and he has a crucial role with Obiang in the future so hopefully, this is a stepping stone for him.
CM: Pedro Obiang – 8.5/10
Battled and reigned supreme in the midfield region today. Made constant efforts to win the ball back and when he finally got forward, he got a goal even though he got lucky with the deflection. Obiang stepped up when West Ham needed someone the most and delivered.
RF: Michael Antonio – 7/10
Kept trying all night even though he didn’t succeed much in the final third. This itself was quite impressive and he was brilliant in the first half.
LF: Javier Hernandez – 6.5/10
Hit the post with the biggest chance he got and his work-rate was really pleasing to see. He can develop a really good partnership with Carroll.
ST: Andy Carroll – 8/10
The character, the mentality, the effort he put on, everything was sublime today and really made a change. He adds crucial presence to the Hammers going forward and creates another dimension. He has to maintain fitness and if he does, more performances like these will surely be around the corner.
Substitutes
LF: Andre Ayew – 7.5/10
Replaced Javier Hernandez and got a goal. His energy was evident and it certainly made an impact with the last quarter plus a few more minutes left to play.
ST: Diafra Sakho – 7/10
He too brought in energy like Ayew and tried his best to do something when he replaced Carroll. It’s good that with him, West Ham have sweet depth in the attacking region.
