WHZ View: Dawson 9, Rice 8 – West Ham player ratings in 2-0 win v Leeds
West Ham took all three points at the London Stadium in a 2-0 victory over Leeds United in the Premier League.
The Hammers survived an early Leeds onslaught which saw two goals ruled out by VAR. Goals from Jesse Lingard and Craig Dawson were enough to move back up to fifth in the table.
The result means eight wins from 11 since the turn of the year, only Manchester City have a better record in 2021.
It was a professional display from David Moyes’ side. Leeds were wasteful with their opportunities, with Patrick Bamford and Raphinha both with chances to score.
West Ham Zone have released their player ratings for the victory, with one man standing out from the rest.
Lukasz Fabianski – 7
Quiet first half. Made two good saves from Raphinha after the break, first an acrobatic deflected effort and the second a powerful drive. Wasn’t tested by Bamford despite several attempts at goal.
Vladimir Coufal – 7
Consistent as ever. Lined up against Raphinha, but the Brazilian swapped wings before reaching half time. Costa was taken off at half-time and Harrison didn’t bother him much either. Just seems to do the basics of defending so well.
Issa Diop – 6
Good first half and carries the ball out from the back well and wins crucial headers in our own box. Lossed Bamford a couple of times in the second half, was very fortunate Leeds’ number nine was having an off day.
Craig Dawson – 9
Solid at the back again from the Englishman. Scored his fourth goal for the club with a powerful header, and should have has a second but hit the post. Cleared one off the line with five minutes to play. A real leader at the back. How wrong were we about him initially? Oustanding.
Aaron Cresswell – 8
Got his eighth assist of the season, a fantastic corner that Dawson headed home. Unlucky to not have a second of the game when Dawson hit the post. Defensively sound. A completely different player to the one under Pellegrini. Had his hands full with Raphinha, but gave him no room at all.
Declan Rice – 8
A solid display in the middle. Often found himself with space, always useful in possession and drove us up the pitch well. Had two efforts blocked as we searched for a third. Again showed he’s excellent at reading the play.
Tomas Soucek – 7
Worked very hard to get up and down the pitch. Defensively was excellent, winning headers in his own box from Leeds’ set-plays. Joined the attack when he could, but had to work hard as we allowed Leeds to have possession.
Pablo Fornals – 7
Non-stop running. Looking really comfortable in the Premier League now. Very unlucky with his effort that rattled the crossbar in the second half.
Jesse Lingard – 7
How lucky are we to have this man? Was very lively first half, expertly won a penalty after some neat footwork with Benrahma. Missed the spot-kick but followed up well. Four goals in six games so far, he must have caught Southgate’s eye by now.
Said Benrahma – 7
Excellent play with Lingard in the build-up to the penalty – the pair look to be building a good relationship. Clearly desperate to score, had a couple of shots either side of the interval. Very quick on the ball, drawing fouls and passing his opponents with ease.
Michail Antonio – 7
A handful as always. Ran the channels well and stretched the Leeds back-line. Played a key role in Dawson’s goal, acting as a distraction to Meslier.
Subs
Jarrod Bowen – 6
Got 20 minutes but struggled to get in involved much. Pressed well from the front, won possession a few times.
Ben Johnson – 6
Late substitute for Jesse Lingard as we saw the game out.
In other West Ham news, Mark Noble is set to sign a new one year contract with the club.