Mateus Fernandes embarrasses, teammate has nightmare – West Ham player ratings vs Manchester City
Mateus Fernandes was arguably culpable for gifting Manchester City goals against West Ham United in the Premier League on Saturday.
Etihad Stadium welcomed Nuno Espirito Santo’s team on 20 December, with the Hammers looking off the boil in the first half, conceding two goals, courtesy of Erling Haaland and Tijjani Reijnders.
The Portuguese manager’s team talk at the break certainly had the desired effect, with the Irons immediately looking more dangerous upon returning to the field, with Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville trying their best.
Nuno is under increasing pressure at the London Stadium, and the result in Manchester arguably hasn’t helped his cause, with the East London outfit crumbling for Haaland’s second goal of the game.
Mateus Fernandes playing against West Ham at Etihad Stadium
Fernandes has been a shining light for West Ham in recent weeks, but his display against Man City deserves admonishment.
For the Sky Blues’ opening goal at the Etihad Stadium, the 21-year-old midfielder failed to track Phil Foden, who went on to assist Haaland.
The former Southampton star was then caught in possession coming out from defence by Rayan Cherki, with Reijnders subsequently finding the back of the net.
Fernandes had a rare shocker for the Irons, and fans will hope he can get over it ahead of the Fulham game on 27 December.
Oliver Scarles struggles against Rayan Cherki vs Manchester City
With El Hadji Malick Diouf off to the Africa Cup of Nations, Oliver Scarles started at left-back for the Hammers.
The 20-year-old has been out injured at the London Stadium for a while and had a nightmare coming up against Cherki.
Scarles was constantly on the back foot as the French winger put on a mesmerising display for the home supporters.
Nuno has plenty of decisions to make in the coming weeks after the 3-0 defeat, with the Portuguese manager at risk of losing his job in E20 if things don’t turn around soon.
West Ham player ratings vs Manchester City
Afonse Areola – 6
Kyle Walker-Peters – 4
Max Kilman – 3
Jean Clair-Todibo – 4
Oliver Scarles – 3
Freddie Potts – 6
Soungoutou Magassa – 5
Mateus Fernandes – 2
Lucas Paqueta – 4
Jarrod Bowen – 7
Crysencio Summerville – 6
Substitutes:
Ezra Mayers – 5
Tomas Soucek – 5
Konstantinos Macropanos – 5
Guido Rodriguez – 5
Callum Wilson – 5
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