Nikola Vlasic earns Man of the Match with 9/10 performance: West Ham player ratings v Leeds
West Ham United progressed in the FA Cup with a 2-0 win over fellow Premier League team Leeds United on Sunday (9 January).
Manuel Lanzini scored the first goal of the game in controversial fashion before Jarrod Bowen finished the tie in stoppage time as Marcelo Bielsa’s search for a first win in the oldest cup competition in the world goes on for another year.
The Hammers are now in the hat for the fourth round where they could face anyone from Manchester City to Kidderminster Harriers.
Here is how West Ham Zone rated the Hammers’ performances out of 10 against the Whites:
Alphonse Areola – 6
What a number two goalkeeper to have! Areola wasn’t overly troubled by the youthful Leeds attack but when he was needed, he looked established between the sticks.
Ryan Fredericks – 8
For someone who hasn’t started since September, that was a sensational display from Fredericks. His pace kept Dan James quiet and he was able to keep bombing up and down the right flank all afternoon.
Issa Diop – 7
Very much a modern centre back’s performance as Diop looked to bring the ball out of defence and into the midfield at every given opportunity. Did what was needed when defending with ease.
Craig Dawson – 8
Opposite to Diop, this was a vintage FA Cup defensive display from Dawson. The Englishman cleared absolutely everything and threw himself in the line of fire when needed.
Ben Johnson – 7
Being a right-footed left-back isn’t the easiest job in football but Johnson managed the challenge. Jack Harrison rarely threatened in the first half and even Raphinha’s introduction at half-time didn’t phase the 21-year-old.
Declan Rice – 8
In complete control of the whole game, Rice seemed to dictate what every player on the pitch was going to do at times, even those in White.
Tomas Soucek – 6
A quiet afternoon for the gentle giant, Soucek did the simple things well and helped court the busy Leeds midfield, by no means a bad display but not a stunner either.
Jarrod Bowen – 8
As he always does, Bowen ran absolutely everywhere and was a constant threat down the Hammers’ right-hand side. He probably was offside for the goal but he can’t make VAR’s decisions for them. Took his goal well in stoppage time.
Manuel Lanzini – 7
The man who got the opener by arriving at the right time and in the right place, Lanzini’s day was quiet otherwise although he still affected the game in the final third.
Nikola Vlasic – 9 (Man of the Match)
An exceptional display from a player who is yet to establish himself. Vlasic’s movement was second to none and he regularly left Leeds players on their backsides with his quick changes of direction. He also showed outstanding determination to keep the attack alive for the opener.
Michail Antonio – 9
He may not have scored but this was one of Antonio’s best performances of the season. He bullied Diego Llorente time and time again, causing all kinds of problems for the Leeds defender.
Substitutes:
Pablo Fornals (on for Lanzini 75′) – 5
Arthur Masuaku (on for Vlasic 87′) – 6
Andriy Yarmolenko (on for Antonio 90+4′) – N/A
In other West Ham news, Dean Ashton handed out high praise for this Hammers’ player.