James Murray

Sat 26 August 2023 19:34, UK

A superb team performance backed by some stunning saves from Alphonse Areola helped West Ham secure a victory on the road at Brighton on Saturday (26 August).

James Ward-Prowse opened the scoring in the first half as he impressed in the middle park in what was just his second game at the Amex Stadium.

Expert finishes in the second half from Jarrod Bowen and Michail Antonio helped secure a 3-1 win for the Hammers on an excellent day for David Moyes’ side, with Areola making a number of late stops.

Here, West Ham Zone rates the West Ham players out of 10 for their performances in the Premier League fixture, with there not being a bad poor performance in sight as a number of players stood out in the victory.

Alphonse Areola – 9

The keeper continued in goal after appearing to have jumped above Lukasz Fabianksi in the Hammers’ net this season. He proved exactly why Moyes has decided it’s time to make him the number one after pulling off a string of superb saves. The Frenchman’s low stop down to his left to deny an Evan Ferguson header was the pick of the bunch. The only mistake he made was when he dropped the ball in the box in the first half, but he quickly recovered it as there wasn’t a Brighton player around. Overall, he was superb and didn’t deserve to concede the goal he did.

Vladimir Coufal – 6

The Czech was beaten a couple of times early on down the left by Kaoru Mitoma, but quickly settled down and looked comfortable for the rest of the game. He largely dealt with the winger well after having been supported by Bowen tracking back.

Kurt Zouma – 7

The defender had a good game at the back as he was partnered by Angelo Ogbonna. Although Brighton did have a fair few chances, he defended well on the whole against an extremely attacking side and dealt with most things well in the air.

Angelo Ogbanna – 7

The experienced centre-back came in for Nayef Aguerd after he was sent off against Chelsea last week. The Italian slotted in with ease to prove that he is more than capable of still doing a job despite not playing too much Premier League football in recent times. He can be very happy with his day’s work.

Emerson – 7

The left-back provided an outlet down the left at every opportunity and did his job defensively very well to keep the in-form Solly March quiet. He was unfortunate to not find the back of the net after hitting the bar in the second half as he continued to prove why he is starting on the left side of the defence.

Tomas Soucek – 6 (Off for Benrahma ’38)

The Czech was forced off the field in the 38th minute after a nasty clash with Brighton keeper Bart Verbruggen, as he looked groggy following the collision. He was solid during the time he was on the pitch, doing his job alongside his teammates in a midfield three.

Edson Alvarez – 6 (Off for Fornals ’84)

The midfielder was handed his first start in the Premier League since making his move from Ajax. He was booked for a poor challenge on the edge of the area towards the end of the first half and sold himself too easily for Pascal Gross’ goal. The Mexican was fairly solid on the whole, but there is plenty more to come once he gets up to speed.

James Ward-Prowse – 8

After arriving from Southampton this summer, Ward-Prowse continued his impressive start to life with the Irons after scoring his first goal for the club. The midfielder was absolutely everywhere, doing his job defensively and involving himself in attacks. He got up well to support Antonio in the lone-striker role and tapped the ball into an open net when played in by the forward. He was booked in the first half for a late challenge.

Jarrod Bowen – 7

The winger looked dangerous all day long and was rewarded for his efforts with a stunning goal on the counter attack. He plucked Benrahma’s ball out of the air superbly before poking the ball past the keeper for the crucial second goal. An in-form Bowen is just what the Hammers need and he delivered.

Lucas Paqueta – 6 (Off for Ings ’85)

The Brazilian perhaps wasn’t as creative as he usually is in midfield, but he did a job for the team and chipped in with a solid performance. The attacking midfielder played off the left-hand side initially and tucked inside after Soucek went off to ensure the Irons weren’t overrun in the middle of the park.

Michail Antonio – 8 (Off for Kehrer ’84)

The forward looked extremely dangerous in the opening stages of the game, stretching the Brighton backline and getting in behind on a couple of occasions. He did well to win the ball and play a ball across the box for Ward-Prowse to open the scoring. The Jamaican international’s turn and finish for the third goal was absolutely exceptional. He led the line perfectly away from home for his side.

Substitutes:

Said Benrahma – 7 (On for Soucek ’38)

The winger was excellent after coming on for Soucek in the first half. He was a constant outlet on the left and made a number of good runs to help get his side up the pitch. The Algerian played a stunning ball into the path of Bowen for the second goal.

Thilo Kehrer – N/A (On for Antonio ’79)

Pablo Fornals – N/A (On for Alvarez ’84)

Danny Ings – N/A (On for Paqueta ’85)

In other West Ham news, a Sky Sports presenter has raved about the Hammers’ business in this transfer window.