James Murray

Sun 21 January 2024 16:04, UK

It was a largely unconvincing performance from the West Ham players as they were held to a draw against Sheffield United on Sunday (21 January).

Despite the Blades being the better team in the opening half an hour, Maxwel Cornet put the Hammers ahead on 28 minutes with an excellent finish before Ben Brereton Diaz equalised just before half-time.

James Ward-Prowse stepped up to the penalty spot to hand the Irons the lead before Oli McBurnie also scored from 12 yards to ensure it ended 2-2 at Bramall Lane.

Here West Ham Zone rates the players out of 10 for their performances.

Alphonse Areola (Off for Fabianski ’90) – 4

The Frenchman was called upon far too many times across the afternoon, making a couple of excellent saves. The keeper couldn’t do anything about Brereton Diaz’s goal from point-blank range as he had a great game before giving a penalty away right at the end.

Vladimir Coufal – 2

It was a performance well below the usual standards that Coufal has set. He recorded just a 61 per cent pass accuracy as he offered little going forward, while he won just two of his six duels, having been taken on once [SofaScore]. A stupid foul saw him sent off in the final stages of the game for a second yellow.

Konstantinos Mavropanos – 4

It was another afternoon where Mavropanos wasn’t the most convincing in the heart of the defence. He made four clearances, but he was dribbled past once. The Greek was also poor on the ball, having recorded just a 67 per cent pass success rate.

Kurt Zouma – 5

Alongside Mavrapanos, he struggled to deal with the threats provided in behind from Brereton Diaz. But the Frenchman did make three big blocks and was slightly better with his distribution.

Emerson – 7

It was a solid performance from Emerson at left-back. He won all of his duels, made two tackles and blocked one shot as he dealt with everything that came his way. The Italian was also superb on the ball, having recorded an 88 per cent pass accuracy as he linked up well with Cornet down the left.

James Ward-Prowse – 6

It was a battling performance from Ward-Prowse. He was asked to play in a deeper role in the absence of Edson Alvarez and struggled a bit in the first half, but got to grips with matters after the break. The midfielder’s penalty almost proved to be the difference.

Tomas Soucek – 6

It was a similar story for Soucek as his midfield partner. Although he wasn’t quite as convincing in possession, he put his body in the way and did his usual gutsy job for the side.

Pablo Fornals – 4

Fornals worked hard as he usually does, but he showed very little quality in possession to create chances for his side. The Spaniard recorded just a 67 per cent pass accuracy, which isn’t good enough for an attacking midfielder looking to get back into the side on a regular basis.

Jarrod Bowen – 6

While Bowen may not have been as much of a threat as he’s been throughout this season, he added more purpose to the Hammers’ frontline than what was on offer against Bristol City. The forward should’ve done better with a first-half chance, but he’ll soon be back to his best.

Maxwel Cornet (Off for Johnson ’70) – 6

After a difficult start to the game, the winger stepped up to score his first goal for the club just before the half-hour mark. It was a superb finish as he drilled a volley home to give his side the lead. The Ivorian will be hoping this will give him confidence moving forward.

Danny Ings (Off for Mubama ’90) – 8

It’s very surprising to be writing this, but Ings was by far West Ham’s best player on the pitch. After enduring a difficult past few months at the club, the forward was part of everything good that his side did on the day. He showed quick feet to win the penalty and can be proud of his display as he showed a lot of character.

Subs

Ben Johnson (On for Cornet ’70) – 7

Johnson surprisingly came on in midfield when David Moyes decided to add another body in the middle of the park. His energy and enthusiasm changed the game.

Divin Mubama (On for Ings ’90) – N/A

Lukasz Fabianski (On for Areola ’90) – N/A

In other West Ham news, Dharmesh Sheth has shared the transfer stance of a player the Hammers want to sign.

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