Michail Antonio superb, Aaron Wan-Bissaka useless – West Ham United player ratings vs Ipswich
West Ham produced an excellent attacking display to record their first home win under Julen Lopetegui as they blew Ipswich Town away 4-1.
The Hammers made the perfect start as Michail Antonio swept the home side ahead from a Jarrod Bowen pass in the first minute, after Kalvin Phillips continued his London Stadium nightmare by losing possession in midfield, but Liam Delap outmuscled Lucas Paqueta after a corner to smash the visitors level within minutes as Alphonse Areola failed to get down well enough at his near post.
Mohammed Kudus leapt highest to convert the rebound after Antonio’s header bounced down off the bar just before the half but could have had a hat-trick, and Bowen pressed home the advantage straight away in the second period, cutting in from the right and firing low into the far corner.
More excellent combination play from Antonio and Bowen set up Paqueta with a tap in for the fourth in the 69th minute as this Irons side looked like it might finally be clicking, despite warning signs at the back.
Here, West Ham Zone rates the Hammers players out of 10 for their performances at the London Stadium.
Alphonse Areola – 6
Poor first half but improved significantly after the interval. Squandered the early advantage by letting Delap’s equaliser in despite getting a strong hand to the shot as Ipswich scored with their only shot on target in the first 45. Better later on and made an excellent low stop after the hour to redeem himself.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 3
Far too sloppy on the whole as he conceded possession and fouls regularly, but went close with a nice low effort with the last action before the break. With Ben Johnson back at the London Stadium on the other side the former Manchester United man didn’t do much to show the quality he is known to have, as his touch deserted him and his effort wasn’t much better.
Jean-Clair Todibo – 6
Average. Looked more comfortable bringing the ball out from the back than he did actually defending. Risky tactics as he regularly pushed up to mark Ipswich strikers very tightly and nearly got turned a few time. More composed as West Ham took control later in the game.
Max Kilman and Emerson sloppy in West Ham defence
Max Kilman – 5
Looked some way shot of being a £40million signing as he was second best in the air and on the ground in direct duels. Almost allowed Jacob Greaves to score an unchallenged header before the break as he never even got off the ground with some slack marking from a free kick, and too slow and lumbering when challenged elsewhere.
Emerson (off for Cresswell ’83) – 5
Rounded out a weak back four which threatened to undercut much of the good work ahead of them. Not heavily involved in the first 45 until one excellent burst down the left channel and a cross to find Antonio before Kudus converted. But lazy defensively in the second half as he failed to track back or put in challenges more than once.
Guido Rodriguez (off for Alvarez ’70) – 5
Fairly anonymous display to justify his omission from the Argentina squad. Not bad on the ball and can pick a pass when given the time but too far behind the action unless it is played directly to him. Mobility was poor when faced up one on one with Ipswich attackers.
Julen Lopetegui gets first London Stadium victory
Tomas Soucek – 7
Good game, especially while the match was still in the balance before half time. Plenty of industrial work on and off the ball in the first half as he largely overshadowed new arrival Rodriguez next to him as he was heavily involved in attacking and defensive areas. Had an effort cleared off the line by Dara O’Shea.
Jarrod Bowen – 9
Back to his best as Ipswich couldn’t live with him. Major threat from the first whistle and played a key role in the opener, driving forward and finding Antonio through Phillip’s legs. Wonderful solo goal to press home the advantage and turn the second half into a stroll, and put Paqueta’s fourth on a plate, while combining with Antonio like seasons gone by.
Lucas Paqueta (off for Summerville ’83) – 6
Okay but nowhere near the level of his attacking teammates and nowhere near his best. Weak role in the Delap equaliser as he was overpowered and allowed the striker to turn back into the area and shoot.
Mohammed Kudus (off for Guilherme ’85) – 8
In focus after his spat with Lopetegui last week he was never in danger of being hooked early here. Missed a golden opportunity to score the West Ham second as Antonio’s cross hit him on the shoulder and clipped the post with the goal gaping. Responded excellently to dominate down the left and reacted the fastest to put his side ahead before the break.
Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen shine in attack
Michail Antonio (off for Soler ’70) – 9 – Man of the Match
Fantastic display as the Antonio of old made a timely reappearance. Excellent start to seize on Phillips’ error, starting and finishing the move with a composed finish into the far corner. Looked sharp and energetic to bely his age and fitness struggles as he played a key role in the next three goals. Produced a beauty of a cross that Kudus should have scored from before the interval and it was his header which bounced on the line off the bar for the Ghanian to convert soon after. Closed down Arijanet Muric to win possession for the third and important work in the build up for the fourth. Chased down everything and didn’t give the visitors’ defence a moment’s rest.
Substitutions
Edson Alvarez (on for Rodriguez ’70) – 6
Improved on Rodriguez as Lopetegui looked to close out the game. Pretty comfortable with the result safe by then.
Carlos Soler (on for Antonio ’70) – 6
Provided some energy in the midfield but not a huge amount else as the encounter was effectively over already.
Aaron Cresswell (on for Emerson ’83) – 5
Didn’t match the speed of the game as he fouled his own man once and was way off target with a free kick.
Crysencio Summerville (on for Paqueta ’83) – 6
Little time to contribute with the points already in the bag.
Luis Guilherme (on for Kudus ’85) – 6
The Brazilian finally made his long-awaited debut. Not much time to have an impact but will look to build on a key breakthrough under Lopetegui.
In other West Ham news, the board’s stance on Lopetegui’s future ahead of the international break has emerged.
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