Pranav Shahaney

Sun 7 May 2023 20:58, UK

West Ham picked up three crucial points against Manchester United to all but seal their fate in the Premier League next season.

Said Benrahma’s goal courtesy of a David de Gea howler proved to be the only strike of the match in what was a solid defensive display from the hosts at the London Stadium on Sunday, 7 May.

David Moyes and co will now be looking to get their hands on the UEFA Conference League trophy.

Here are our player ratings from the game:

Lukasz Fabianski – 7.5

he may have made four saves, but they were needed in crucial moments and his good positioning allowed him to keep the Hammers in the game and secure the three points. His save to deny Antony was magnificent and he deserves the plaudits for that. Another important save he made in injury time to keep Anthony Martial out.

Thilo Kehrer – 6.5

Kehrer’s always been very good technically and he showed his quality against Manchester United, playing at right-back. He completed over 85 per cent of his passes all game and won five out of six duels. His accuracy was decent at playing long balls too and it was among his best games for the Hammers.

Nayef Aguerd – 6

Another defender who was calm and composed on the ball and he’s got every reason to be happy with his performance. He made three clearances in the game and while defending a lead, that’s an important thing to take into account.

Angelo Ogbonna – 6

Much like the other defenders, he was good with his passing and kept things extremely simple at the back for the Hammers. He and Aguerd were on the same page more often than not and it’s a performance worth being impressed over.

Aaron Cresswell – 3

Antony terrorised Cresswell down Manchester United’s right and he failed to deal with him and the inverting Aaron Wan-Bissaka. Had others not covered for his frailties, his mistakes would certainly have been exposed. He won zero aerial duels and lost 75 per cent of them on the ground. [Sofascore]

Tomas Soucek – 6

Was brave from the start to the end of his time on the pitch and it showed as he went hard into a challenge with Wan-Bissaka. His warrior-like attributes came in hand and crucial to West Ham maintaining a very tight defensive shape.

Declan Rice – 8

The Hammers captain became the first player to reach 60+ interceptions in the Premier League this season and it was more of the same from him. Not only was he there breaking up playing, but he also covered for a number of his teammates in transition. He’s going to be a huge miss.

Jarrod Bowen – 6

Tried his best to make things happen and the home supporters will surely have appreciated the efforts that he put in for the Hammers. However, he would’ve liked his touches closer to the opposition penalty area rather than in the middle third – where he spent a lot of time.

Lucas Paqueta – 7

Was a constant threat playing in that number 10 role and perhaps with a striker on the same page as him, the Brazilian would’ve had an even better game. He played a fluid role and drifted on both wings as he looked to wreak havoc in the final third.

Said Benrahma – 7

While his goal might be classed as lucky by many, it took some guts to have a go from there and “You miss all the shots you don’t take” certainly rang in the minds of fans. He did have some moments where he looked threatening and that begs the question as to why didn’t Moyes utilise him more this season.

Michail Antonio – 4

Used his physical presence perfectly as he looked to bully the opposition defenders. However, technically, it was still a performance where he could’ve done better. Completing less than 10 passes and losing most of his duels aren’t stats Moyes would want from his number nine at West Ham.

Subs

Pablo Fornals – 4

Flynn Downes – N/A

Ben Johnson – N/A

Emerson – N/A