West Ham United player ratings v Manchester City: Michail Antonio stinks, James Ward-Prowse shines
West Ham suffered their first defeat of the season when Manchester City beat them 3-1 at the London Stadium on Saturday, 16 September.
The Hammers took the lead but were pegged back by the Citizens who showed no mercy in the second half of the contest.
James Ward-Prowse found his name on the scoresheet from open play – a rare feat for the England international.
Here are our player ratings from the game:
Alphonse Areola – 7
Despite conceding three goals, the Frenchman made 10 saves [Sofascore] in the game and was one of the main reasons why West Ham were still in the game. Can’t really fault Areola for his performance.
Vladimir Coufal – 4
Could’ve done a lot better for the goal as he could’ve stopped Doku from coming inside. Everyone knew that it was what he was going to do but the Hammers defender failed to deal with it.
Kurt Zouma – 6
Was exemplary with his passing and did very well to keep Erling Haaland at bay until he eventually found the back of the net in the 86th minute. He also made a number of crucial tackles, interceptions and clearances.
Nayef Aguerd – 7
His most noteworthy contribution will have been the clearance off the line. He also managed to block four shots in what was a stellar display by the Moroccan. Moyes will be thrilled to have a player like him on his team.
Emerson – 5
Failed to offer much going forward and lost both of his aerial duels in what was a forgettable game for the Italian. He would’ve wanted to be more involved in proceedings but it’s sometimes down to the quality of the opposition as well.
Edson Alvarez – 5
Wasn’t as effective at regaining possession as he lost five out of the seven attempted ground duels as well as his only aerial duel. He looked off the pace on a few occasions and even got injured, ensuring he wouldn’t be able to finish the 90 minutes.
Tomas Soucek – 7
Completed close to 90 per cent of his passes and won every single aerial duel (6/6) he attempted on Saturday afternoon. Moyes deliberately put him in the side for his physicality and he certainly offered that against City. The Citizens arguably have the best midfield in the Premier League and Soucek gave them a run for their money.
Jarrod Bowen – 5
Was rather ineffective down the right and would’ve wanted to be more involved in proceedings. He completed just 15 passes, was wayward with his crosses and did not look completely up for the game. Not an impressive display. It remains to be seen if Mohammed Kudus plays in his place next week with him moving to a number nine role.
James Ward-Prowse – 8
This shows just what an unbelievable run he’s been on and he played in a more advanced position against the Citizens. He was even more advanced than Lucas Paqueta and deservedly got his goal, this time not from a free kick. He also looked threatening whenever he had the ball at his feet and it’s good to see this side of his game as well.
Lucas Paqueta – 6
Was highly involved in possession and looked like he’ll be the one to provide killer passes to Michail Antonio to add to the Hammers’ goal tally. One could see why City pursued him over the summer and Moyes will be delighted to have someone like him in the team.
Michail Antonio – 2
Had a chance early in the second half when he found himself one on one with Ederson. Such occasions do not emerge that often against City and the Jamaican lacked the composure to finish it. The Hammers cannot rely on him to be the first choice. Was barely involved in the build up either, completing just five passes during his 67 minutes on the pitch.
Substitutes
Mohammed Kudus – 6
Said Benrahma – 4
Thilo Kehrer – N/A
Danny Ings – N/A
In other West Ham news, an ultimate transfer decision has been made by the Hammers on Jesse Lingard amid a recent development.