BBC journalist slams 'disappointing' Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals after what they did in West Ham United v Backa Topola

Callum Matthews has slammed Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals for their performances for West Ham against Backa Topola on Thursday (30 November).

Writing on the BBC Sport website on Friday (1 December), the journalist said the duo were "disappointing" after being handed a rare start against the Serbian side in the Europa League clash.

The pair were unable to have much of an impact on the game before Tomas Soucek popped up with a goal in the 89th minute to secure the Hammers a 1-0 victory.

"Moyes gave opportunities to Said Benrahma and Pablo Fornals from the off," said Matthews. "But both were disappointing, while substitute Danny Ings saw his goal drought extend to 24 games."

Below par

It's pretty fair to say that there were very few West Ham players who really covered themselves in much glory after what was a below-par performance.

Although the win and a clean sheet are welcome, several fringe players would've been hoping to provide more to stake a claim for regular minutes in the side.

Benrahma and Fornals, two men who have fallen dramatically down the pecking order this season, didn't do anywhere near enough after being handed a start in Serbia.

They are both creative players, but after they offered very little, it took a lovely ball in from substitute Maxwel Cornet to find Soucek for the winning goal just minutes from full-time.

It's hard to imagine David Moyes increasing their opportunities on the back of this performance after they both proved that they can't be relied upon when some of the big hitters aren't on the pitch.

In other West Ham news, a BBC journalist has detailed what type of player the Hammers need to sign in January.