Edson Alvarez woeful, Jarrod Bowen the hero – West Ham player ratings v Wolves
West Ham eased the pressure on Julen Lopetegui with a 2-1 win over Wolves in the Premier League on Monday.
Tomáš Souček, a potentially risky inclusion after his display in the 3-1 Premier League defeat against Leicester City at the King Power Stadium [3 December], rewarded the faith placed in him by his manager by opening the scoring at the London Stadium [9 December].
Mat Doherty equalised for the visitors. However, it took just three minutes for West Ham to regain the lead, with Jarrod Bowen scoring a wonderful goal in the 72nd minute.
And the Hammers were able to hold on for victory, easing the pressure on Lopetegui.
West Ham Zone rated each player out of 10.
Łukasz Fabiański – 7
Didn’t put much of a foot wrong. His distribution could have used some improvement, however, he also made several key saves which helped the Hammers to a narrow victory.
Emerson – 5
After Coufal’s poor display against Leicester, it is no surprise that Emerson was drafted in. Was a solid display as he helped West Ham claim a much-needed win. However, he was perhaps lucky not to give away a penalty.
Max Kilman – 7
Would have been pleased with his performance at the back against his former side as he rarely put a foot wrong in defence. Couldn’t have done much about Doherty’s goal.
Konstantinos Mavropanos – 7
Just like Kilman, the defender couldn’t have done much for the goal that was conceded. After some poor performance in recent weeks, this was a much more improved display.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6
Put a shift in defensively while also creating some chances in the forward areas. Quickly becoming one of the club and Lopetegui’s most important players.
Edson Alvarez woeful for West Ham against Wolves
Edson Alvarez – 4
A very poor display which will leave some questioning whether he can play in West Ham’s system. Some of the Wolves players were able to get the better of him in midfield. Supporters would have been expecting more.
Tomáš Souček – 7
Perhaps a risky call to start him after his recent performance, Lopetegui’s gamble paid off as Souček came up with a big goal as he so often does for the Hammers. While he could have arguably been hooked after his poor first-half display, Lopetegui will be thankful for the midfielder’s contributions in the end.
Crysencio Summerville – 7
Although he is still yet to really mark his arrival at West Ham, this was one of the winger’s better performances. He looked threatening, creating multiple chances for his teammates, and also helped out defensively. Hopefully a sign of what is to come.
Carlos Soler – 6
Another summer signing who supporters are still waiting to come to life at the London Stadium. Wasn’t his finest performance, however, he was tidy on the ball and put in a shift defensively.
Mohammed Kudus – 7
Provided the match-winning assist for the home side, although most of the goal was down to Bowen’s brilliance. However, he also looked threatening with some of his dribbles and demonstrated why he is one of the club’s classier players.
Jarrod Bowen – 9
West Ham, and perhaps Lopetegui’s hero at the London Stadium against Wolves. As he so often does, the Englishman stepped up for the Hammers, scoring a wonderful goal and also providing the assist for Souček. Difficult to imagine where West Ham would be without him.
Subsitutes
Lucas Paquetá – 5 (On for Soler 64′)
Didn’t offer too much after replacing Soler, needs to improve.
Danny Ings – 5 (On for Summerville 73′)
Battled hard up front to help West Ham hold on for victory.
Guido Rodríguez – N/A (On for Kudus 87′)
Aaron Cresswell – N/A (On for Emerson 88′)
Jean-Clair Todibo – N/A (On for Alvarez 88′)
In other West Ham news, one player has been offered to a big European club ahead of January.
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