West Ham United player ratings v Wolves: Lucas Paqueta, Mohammed Kudus shine, Edson Alvarez flops
West Ham secured the three points against Wolves, beating the relegation-threatened side by a 3-0 score on Sunday, 17 December.
Playing at the London Stadium, the Hammers were always favourites to pick up the three points and delivered what David Moyes would’ve wanted.
Mohammed Kudus scored two first-half goals while Jarrod Bowen added another in the second to ensure the hosts won the game.
Here are our player ratings from the game:
Lukasz Fabianski – 7
Playing in place of Alphonse Areola, the pressure was always going to be high on Fabianski, given how well the Frenchman started the season. However, he made three crucial saves, per Sofascore, and kept a clean sheet in what was an impressive display.
Vladimir Coufal – 7
Was impressive defensively and offensively and has really turned things around this season for the Hammers. Made five clearances, had a pass accuracy north of 80 per cent and also had a 100 per cent crossing accuracy which shows how active he was in proceedings.
Kurt Zouma – 8
Was exceptional with the ball at his feet, completing 88 per cent of his passes. He made three clearances, one interception and also won two aerial duels. Kept the Wolves attackers at bay all game and was one of the main reasons why the struggled to muster too much in and around the West Ham goal.
Nayef Aguerd – 7
Not as proficient as Zouma on the ball but did better than what he has in most games this season. DId not look shaky at all against Wolves and it certainly will have helped that he received applause from the fans on a couple of occasions during the game.
Emerson – 8
Was tireless down the left for the Hammers and has only gotten better as the season has progressed. With Paqueta liking to drift inside and occupy the left half space, the Italian had the licence to hold the width and bomb forward. He also won a few important tackles in both halves of the field and there’s no denying his display will have impressed Moyes.
Tomas Soucek – 5
Was slightly shaky with the ball in possession. His pass accuracy was under 80 per cent and against a team that did not relatively offer much without the ball, he should’ve done better. Even aerially, he lost two of his six duels and those aren’t numbers that he would be too proud about.
Edson Alvarez – 4
Made a few questionable passes that could’ve led to turnovers had it been against better opponents. He even lost 66 per cent of his ground duels and got dribbled past once. Given the high standards he’s set, this was an underwhelming display by the Mexico international.
Mohammed Kudus – 9
Scored two first half goals and was absolutely relentless in the final third. Always looked to run in behind and give the Wolves defenders nightmares. He’s hit the ground running at West Ham and many will be wondering why Moyes didn’t decide to start him earlier.
James Ward-Prowse – 6
Came extremely close to scoring yet another free-kick goal in the second half of the game. Was unfortunate that the ball narrowly missed the post. Apart from that, there were a few occasions he was a tad wayward with his passes and lost possession 11 times for West Ham.
Lucas Paqueta – 10
The synergy between him and Kudus and was certainly at a different level and he appears to have found a home in a new role for the Hammers. Despite being a central midfielder, he has thrived on the left flank. Provided assists for Kudus’ two first-half goals. He then assisted the third one for Bowen in what was a spectacular performance.
Jarrod Bowen – 7
Finally got the goal he was searching for all game and he deserves credit for not stopping to work hard even after the result was a foregone conclusion. Hasn’t let Moyes feel Michail Antonio’s absence at West Ham and they may not sign a new striker in January because of how well he’s been doing.
Substitutes
Pablo Fornals – 5
Divin Mubama – N/A
Danny Ings – N/A
In other West Ham news, the highest source at the Hammers has issued an update on a 2023 award winner to replace David Moyes as sack update emerges.