Daniel Feliciano

Thu 28 April 2022 21:51, UK

West Ham suffered defeat at the London Stadium against Frankfurt after a nightmare start ended with a 2-1 defeat in the Europa League semi-final.

The Hammers fell behind inside the opening minute thanks to Ansgar Knauff’s header for a nightmare start.

But Jamaican international Michail Antonio equalised midway through the half with his first goal since early March, after Kurt Zouma headed a free-kick back across goal for him to tap in at the back post into an empty net.

Frankfurt re-took the lead with a stunning team goal after 55 minutes through Daichi Kamada, as he tapped in following a wonderful reflex save by Alphonse Areola.

That proved to be the winner as both sides hit the woodwork too, and the Hammers now have it all to do in Germany next week to reach the final.

Here are the West Ham player ratings from West Ham Zone:

Alphonse Areola – 6/10

A good showing from the French man, who could do nothing about either of the goals conceded. His distribution was good too and he was just unfortunate to be on the losing side.

Ben Johnson – 4/10

Defensively he didn’t do a lot wrong, but his inability to get forward and create dangerous situations for Frankfurt limited the Hammers’ play overall.

Craig Dawson – 5/10

Won his aerial battles as you’d expect and was okay in duels but he got carved up for the second goal with one touch passing and will be disappointed.

Kurt Zouma – 6/10

A solid performance from a man who wasn’t expected to play again this season. Was a monster aerially and a leader at the back. West Ham’s best defender on the night.

Aaron Cresswell – 5/10

A perfect set piece helped set up the equaliser but defensively he had trouble with Knauff all night with his runs from out to in. Needs to be better in the second leg.

Tomas Soucek – 5/10

The Hammers struggled to get control of the midfield for long periods of the game and Soucek didn’t really help to change that. Didn’t really affect the game in any way.

Declan Rice – 6/10

Another night where the skipper tried to make things happen but it just didn’t quite come off for him on a number of occasions. Defensively he was good but on the ball he was a bit off and it contributed to the lack of control.

Pablo Fornals – 3/10

Not a good night for the Spain international tonight. At fault for the first goal for not tracking the run and didn’t offer anything positive throughout. Surprised he lasted as long as he did.

Manuel Lanzini – 4/10

The Argentine offered more defensively than offensively on the night in his number ten role, which tells you the sort of night he had. Didn’t do anything wrong, but ultimately didn’t do much at all.

Jarred Bowen – 5/10

Not a great night for Bowen. Should’ve scored in the first half when he was sent through one on one but he hit the post, and his final pass was just not right all night. Almost scored the best goal of his career at the death.

Michail Antonio – 7/10

Antonio was relentless with his running, pressing, hold up play and was duly rewarded with a big goal. He linked with the midfield well and turned in one of his better performances in recent weeks.

Substitutes

Said Benrahma – 6/10

The Algerian was brought on to add creativity and immediately made a difference with his directness. Hit the post with a worldie effort, but ultimately his final action let him down.

In other West Ham news, BT Sport commentator stunned by what West Ham ace did v Frankfurt

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