Peter Lynch

Wed 3 May 2023 22:03, UK

West Ham remain in a Premier League relegation battle following their 2-0 loss to Manchester City on Wednesday (3 May).

After an impressive first half from the visitors, Nathan Ake quickly put the home side ahead just five minutes after the break.

Erling Haaland then made it 2-0 in the 70th minute, with Phil Foden securing all three points with a third goal five minutes from time.

Here West Ham Zone rates the players out of ten for the loss that sees the Hammers stay heavily involved in the tense relegation battle.

Lukasz Fabianski – 6

The goalkeeper started the game brightly with a smart save to keep out a testing Riyad Mahrez effort, repeating the feat shortly after from a fierce Grealish shot. Cannot be at fault for any of the goals and ended the match with an impressive four saves, as per SofaScore.

Vladimir Coufal – 8 (Man of the Match)

Dealt very well with the task of keeping a busy Grealish quiet by standing strong and not diving in like many in his position often do. Impressed in various defensive areas, including winning six of his nine duels and making five clearances and three interceptions, all before unfortunately being forced off on the hour-mark with a hamstring issue.

Thilo Kehrer – 6

Stayed resilient against the very difficult threat of Erling Haaland, with Kehrer making two interceptions on the night, as well as making a superb last-ditch tackle on the young striker in the box.

Angelo Ogbonna – 7

Was very solid in the opening stages with some important clearances both off the ground and in the air. The centre-back proved very hard to get past as he made a match-high eight clearances, but will be disappointed for dropping early for the opening goal.

Aaron Cresswell – 5

Stayed focused and held the defensive line well for the Hammers, but will be disappointed to have conceded three goals and lost possession eight times.

Emerson – 6

Did his utmost to keep Mahrez quiet down Manchester City’s right, and did a good job at that, with the Hammers defender making two clearances throughout the 90 minutes.

Flynn Downes – 6

Had very big shoes to fill as he came in for the ill Declan Rice but more than held his own against a top-class Manchester City midfield, with the Hammers ace boasting a 95% passing accuracy.

Lucas Paqueta – 7

Paqueta had been showing his attacking prowess in recent games, but this time around it was all about helping out his defence, which the Brazilian did very well. When he did get forward, the midfielder completed three of his six dribbles.

Pablo Fornals – 5

Had a quiet evening at the Etihad as he tried his best to support Michail Antonio going forward, with the Spaniard at least keeping the ball well with an 86% passing accuracy.

Jarrod Bowen – 4

Bowen fell somewhat short in giving Nathan Ake a tough time. The winger couldn’t quite break down a resilient home defence as he registered just 21 touches of the ball, the lowest from any starter of the match.

Michail Antonio – 7

Was always going to be in for a tricky evening on his own going forward against a firm Manchester City defence. The West Ham striker gave it his all on what was a lonely night, impressively winning nine of his 13 duels.

Substitutes

Ben Johnson (on for Coufal, 62’) – N/A

Danny Ings (on for Antonio, 68′) – N/A

Said Benrahma (on for Bowen, 79′) – N/A