Said Benrahma makes impact but Hammers posted missing – West Ham player ratings v Leicester City
West Ham United completed their Premier League season with a 2-1 loss to Leicester City at the King Power Stadium on Sunday (28 May).
Having already booked their place in the Europa Conference League final, it was evident that the Hammers had other things on their mind as the Foxes took advantage of a sluggish performance to record a win but it was not enough to secure their own top-flight status.
Declan Rice featured in what was likely to be his last domestic appearance for the club, but it wasn’t one to remember as goals from Harvey Barnes and Wout Faes earned the win for the hosts.
Here, West Ham Zone rates the Hammers’ players out of 10 for the final game of the 2022/23 campaign.
Lukasz Fabianski – 6
Did what was asked of him in general, but had little to no chance with the goals. Will Moyes give him the nod for Prague or will Alphonso Areola retain his regular position, in Europe? That’s a big call to come.
Vladimir Coufal – 6
Deployed in a right-back role against Leicester and gave plenty of effort and energy as usual, in what was a solid but unspectacular display. Won 60% of his tackles during the game.
Thilo Kehrer – 5
The German international was found wanting too often, on a day that the Hammers’ frailties at the back were exposed. If West Ham are to overcome Fiorentina, his individual contribution will need to be much better.
Nayef Aguerd – 5
Aguerd was all over the place for Leicester’s second goal. he was far too static when the corner came in. The Moroccan won just 33% of his aerial duels today. He will have better games, that is for sure.
Aaron Cresswell – 6
Similar to Coufal, Cresswell was consistent throughout, in an honest display but it was average stuff, overall. His passing was on point with 44 out of 49 successful attempts for a 90%passing completion rating.
Flynn Downes – 6
Was turned inside out at the opener for Harvey Barnes. Not an afternoon to remember for him but he recorded a 50% tackle success rate. Downes will need to settle for a place on the bench in Prague.
Declan Rice – 6
The West Ham captain and talisman was full of industry and tried to direct play for his team but he was far from his fluid best. The England international will be aiming to go out on a high by leading his team to European glory in the showpiece final in Prague. His fairytale ending is within reach.
Said Benrahma – 8 (man of the match)
Easily, the brightest spark on the day for the Irons. He was lively, had a few driving runs and a shot that came back off the post in the 59th minute. He also completed 87% of his passes at the King Power Stadium in what was a very decent individual display.
Lucas Paqueta – 6
Plenty of effort and endeavour and showed what he is capable of, yet he can do a lot more. He was hooked on 71 minutes to be replaced by Maxwel Cornet
Pablo Fornals – 7
Capped off a decent display with the consolation goal for the Hammers. The hero of Alkmaar will be striving to maintain his impact if he is called upon in Prague.
Michail Antonio – 4
This was an anonymous performance from Antonio. Very little to note and not much service in a very poor first half overall, for the Hammers.
Substitutes :
Danny Ings – 5 (on for Antonio, ’62)
Did what he could for the last half hour, in his usual role as back up for David Moyes.
Jarrod Bowen – (on for Benrahma, ’62) – 6
On the pitch just after the hour mark, Bowen provided important energy for his team and a crucial out ball to get them up the pitch.
Maxwel Cornet – (on for Paqueta, ’71) – 4
Late sub to add legs, for the final minutes of the season.
Emerson – (on for Cresswell, ’71) – 4
Played his part in the final stages.
Manuel Lanzini – (on for Downes, ’86) – N/A