Anthony Onifade

Sat 23 December 2023 14:25, UK

West Ham United recorded a second successive Premier League win as they comfortably triumphed 2-0 over Manchester United at the London Stadium on Saturday (23 December).

Goals from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus in the second half ensured the Hammers overtook their opponents in the Premier League table into sixth place, just three points behind Tottenham in fourth.

The Hammers burst into life after a tepid showing for much of the game but burst into life after some individual brilliance from midfield man Lucas Paqueta.

Here, West Ham Zone rates the West Ham players out of 10 for their performances against the Red Devils.

Alphonse Areola – 6

Made a crucial save from Alejandro Garnacho after he was put through on goal by Antony but then went on to make a strange save from Kobbie Mainoo when he dangerously spilled his shot but luckily saw it go for a corner. Rarely had anything to do afterwards as his attacking teammates wrapped up the three points.

Vladamir Coufal – 6

Struggled with Garnacho’s pace and unpredictability for much of the game and was guilty of some poor positioning when the Argentinian was played through on goal. Improved as the match went on and had Garnacho in his back pocket in the end.

Konstantinos Mavropanos – 6

Didn’t need to do much as he had the evergreen Zouma beside him in defence but he certainly helped usher out the likes of Hojlund and Marcus Rashford in a dominant defensive showing.

Kurt Zouma – 7

Fantastically ushered out Rasmus Hojlund for much of the game and looked his mercurial best at the heart of the Hammers defence. When balls were put into the box, he dealt with them admirably when it looked like a United attacker was about to get on the end of them.

Emerson – 7

Antony barely had a sniff on Emerson as the Italian international continued his brilliant run of displays for the club in recent weeks. The club must tie him down to a new deal, mind.

Tomas Soucek – 4

Looked totally lost in the first half and rarely did much in the second but the West Ham United fans certainly won’t care one bit as they recorded an impressive victory. Such is Soucek’s mentality and Moyes’ reliance on him, he’ll want to improve personally in midweek.

Edson Alvarez – 8

Tremendous display from the former Ajax man. Kept things ticking over nicely in possession but when West Ham needed him to screen the back line and break up attacks, he did so with superb aplomb. Made some crucial tackles and interceptions when United were getting into telling areas.

James Ward-Prowse – 7

You can never ask for much from Ward-Prowse because what he excels at in terms of set pieces are now just becoming customary for him. But, today he done his job with a commanding and energetic display alongside Alvarez. Brilliant player indeed.

Mohammed Kudus – 8

What a signing Kudus has been for the Hammers and he once again took his goal with some stunning aplomb after being found brilliantly by Paqueta. West Ham will sorely miss him when he goes off to AFCON in January, how they’ll replace him is beyond the Hammers fans right now.

Jarrod Bowen – 8

Continued his stunning scoring form for West Ham United with as easy a goal as he’ll ever score for the club as Paqueta completely dumbfounded the United defence with a sublime pass. So crucial to this team.

Lucas Paqueta – 9

Another assist to go with his three last weekend against Wolves. The Brazilian is an absolute genius when he’s in this mood and his pass for Jarrod Bowen’s goal was absolutely majestic in another sensational showing from the West Ham United man.

Substitutes

Pablo Fornals (on for Bowen 88′) – N/A

Ben Johnson (on for Kudus 90′) – N/A

In other West Ham news, a Premier League stat has shown how West Ham benefit compared to rival teams.