Sam Stone

Wed 4 January 2023 21:45, UK

West Ham United’s winless run continued as David Moyes’ side drew 2-2 with Leeds United at Elland Road on Wednesday evening.

Goals from summer signings Lucas Paqueta and Gianluca Scamacca were not enough for the Hammers as Jesse Marsch’s side rescued a point with a second-half strike from Rodrigo.

Here West Ham Zone rates the players out of ten for their performances at Elland Road (4 January).

Lukasz Fabianski – 6

Didn’t attempt to save Willy Gnonto’s opener for the hosts. Didn’t fill his defence with much confidence. However, did well to prevent Rodrigo in the second half. Made a magnificent save in the dying embers to preserve a point.

Vladimir Coufal – 6

Nearly scored an outrageous goal from near the halfway line after Illan Meslier’s clearance ended up at his feet. Produced a couple of wonderful crosses in the second half. On the whole, it was a solid night’s work from the Czech Republic international.

Craig Dawson – 5

Decent display from Dawson in difficult conditions and environment at Elland Road. It was a full-throttle affair and the veteran central defender did well to deal with most of what was thrown his way. Formed a decent partnership with Aguerd.

Nayef Aguerd – 6

Made a terrific sliding tackle early on to deny Rodrigo a one-on-one with Fabianski. Not afraid to play a long diagonal ball from time to time and also displayed a good turn or pace on a couple of occasions. Will only improve with every minute he plays in a Claret and Blue shirt.

Thilo Kehrer – 3

Tough night for the German who really struggled, particularly in the first half. Didn’t adapt well to the pace of the game and was guilty of giving the ball away on too many occasions. Clearly, not a left-back and shouldn’t be deployed in that position again. Will be back to his best when he can take up a more central position. Regardless, it was a tough night for the 26-year-old.

Declan Rice – 6

Solid performance from West Ham’s talisman, who grew into the game and started to dictate the centre of the park. It was a tough task up against Tyler Adams and Marc Roca, but Rice displayed that he is a far superior player. Potentially could have done more to prevent Leeds’ second goal.

Tomas Soucek – 5

Soucek worked hard in the centre of midfield but was found wanting in possession at times. Hasn’t been anywhere near his best this season, but the high-pressure and physical game at Elland Road did suit the Czech Republic international in the second half. Grew into the game.

Pablo Fornals – 8

A classy performance from the Spaniard who ran the game at times. Picked up little pockets of space and was a nightmare for Leeds to mark. His energy in midfield was ideal for the high intensity the game was played at. Was one of the Hammers’ most effective attackers. It’s now up to the 26-year-old to show the same level of performance in West Ham’s upcoming fixtures.

Lucas Paqueta – 7

Improved as the game went on and finished his first-half penalty expertly. Looked more dangerous and effective in a more advanced role for the Hammers. Considering the fast-paced nature of the game, the Brazilian adapted well and put in one of his best performances in a Claret and Blue shirt.

Gianluca Scamacca – 8

Sensational strike to give the Irons the lead. Produced some neat touches in the first half to hold the ball up. Definitely one of his better performances in a West Ham shirt. Seemed to run out of steam toward the end of the game. There’s certainly a top-quality player there, we just need to see it more often.

Jarrod Bowen – 7

Somewhere back to his best at Elland Road with his close control and dribbling causing the home side no end of problems. Linked up really well with Paqueta and Coufal at times. Will be disappointed not to have capitalised more on the space West Ham were afforded in the latter stages.

Michail Antonio (on for Scamacca, 68′) – 5

Aaron Cresswell (on for Coufal, 68′) – 6

Said Benrahma (on for Fornals, 80′) – 5

Flynn Downes (on for Paqueta, 80′) – 5