By Joe Ellis

3rd Apr, 2022 | 3:48pm

Aaron Cresswell 9/10 Man of the Match - West Ham player ratings v Everton

West Ham added another vital three points to their Premier Leauge tally as they valiantly battled to overcome Everton at the London Stadium.

A tight game was blown wide open just after the half-hour as Aaron Cresswell curled a peach of a free-kick into the top corner to put the Hammers ahead at half-time.

Mason Holgate drew the Toffees level soon after half-time with a deflected strike finding its way into the corner but Jarrod Bowen soon had David Moyes’ side back in front, converting a rebound inside the penalty area.

Michael Keane was then sent off for a second bookable offence that he had no complaints about to ease any worries for Hammers fans.

Lukasz Fabianski – 4

The Irons number one wasn’t asked to do much but his dismal punch that led to Holgate’s equaliser put them right back in the mud. You would expect more from such an experienced goalkeeper but everyone can have an off day.

Ryan Fredericks – 6

It’s a good thing he’s quick because Fredericks got caught out a little too much today. He did make a very good last-ditch challenge when Richarlison skipped past Fabianski but he only got into that position because the Scot was asleep.

Craig Dawson – 6

Steady as ever from our number 15 who looks to have developed a really strong bond with Zouma at the heart of the defence. Cleared the majority of what came his way and there was little he could’ve done to stop the equaliser either.

Kurt Zouma – 7

It was typically resolute from Zouma today as Dominic Calvert-Lewin found himself getting no time or touches on the ball because the Frenchman was that good. He’s the best defender at the club and he could even make the France World Cup squad if he keeps this up.

Aaron Cresswell – 9 (Man of the Match)

Has he got the best left foot in the Premier League? That free-kick suggests so. An absolute peach of a strike that will be on showreels for a long time alongside the likes of David Beckham, Cristiano Ronaldo and James Ward-Prowse. He was composed in defence too, a superb day at the office for Cresswell

Declan Rice – 7

Not his best game but it was still a decent display from the stand-in skipper. Calm on the ball and winning the majority of his battles is all you can really ask of your holding midfielder but by his extremely high standards, not as good as he could be.

Tomas Soucek – 8

For all the credit Rice often gets, this guy can do under the radara bit but he was simply immense today. Everton might have had a weakened midfield but whatever they through at the Czech captain he dealt with like he was playing against children.

Jarrod Bowen – 6

His return from injury wasn’t as spectacular as many were hoping for but he did find the net from a rebound after Antonio was denied by Jordan Pickford. He was rather quiet otherwise as he builds his fitness back up again.

Pablo Fornals – 5

Far from vintage Fornals today although he did get stuck in when the need was there for it. There wasn’t much in the way of Spanish flair or creativity that hampered the Hammers’ chances of scoring more than they did. Missed a golden chance in the first half too that he should have buried.

Said Benrahma – 4

It seems to be an alarming pattern of Benrahma’s game that he goes missing for large periods of the game. Today was no different as he floated around, rarely making an impact in either attack or defence on a disappointing day for the Algerian.

Michail Antonio – 8

As he always does, Antonio led the line expertly by commanding the two Toffees centre-halves and holding the ball up for his teammates to attack from. A few very good runs in behind the stretch the game at the right time too.

Substitutes:

Mark Noble (on for Bowen 70′) – 5

Andriy Yarmolenko (on for Benrahma 81′) – 5

In other West Ham news, there is no new contract on the horizon for this fringe player at the London Stadium.

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