West Ham player ratings in Europa League clash v Lyon
West Ham absolutely blew Lyon away in the second leg of their Europa League quarter-final clash this evening.
David Moyes’ side rose above the huge occasion and played an immensely calculated game of football to win 3-0 (4-1 on aggregate).
The Hammers can now look forward to a semi-final showdown against Eintracht Frankfurt.
Here are the West Ham Zone player ratings for tonight’s [April 14] emphatic win in France…
Alphonse Areola – 7
Dealt with the relentless pressure very well in the opening phase of the game. The former PSG shot-stopper used his experience very well to slow the game down when necessary but also spring the Irons onto the attack when Lyon looked vulnerable.
Vladimir Coufal – 7
An all-round solid performance from the Czech international. He looked very calm in possession whilst hurting the Ligue 1 side with multiple fantastic balls to get West Ham on the counterattack when to relieve the pressure on the Hammers’ defence.
Craig Dawson – 9
Moyes will forgive him for being sloppy in possession at times with his contribution in both boxes absolutely vital. The Englishman made several important blocks and interceptions but more importantly, he scored the opener that led to the onslaught.
Issa Diop – 7
Did a very good job of filling in for Kurt Zouma. The Frenchman did have his shaky moments in the first half in particular but he held down the heart of defence very well alongside Dawson despite not being Moyes’ preferred choice.
Ben Johnson – 8
Wow. This lad never fails to impress, does he? Not only was he playing out of position but this is the 22-year-old’s first season in the Irons first team and he has done an amazing job when called upon in Europe. He did so well down his unfavoured left-hand side and his attacking play was second to none.
Tomas Soucek – 7
The midfielder did a great job of protecting the West Ham defence. He blocked off the Lyon passing lanes very well and seemingly covered every blade of grass whilst not giving their attackers a moment to play.
Declan Rice – 10 (MOM)
The Irons star man had to play within himself at the risk of missing the semi-final first leg had he been booked. He got very lucky with the slight deflection on his goal but he earned it with the controlled shot that was goal bound regardless. instrumental as per usual in the midfield.
Pablo Fornals – 7
Kept hold of possession so, so well well down the left-hand side. He could have been more clinical in attack but his defensive play more than made up for his shortcomings. He offered Coufal great protection in what could have been a very difficult night for the Czech.
Manuel Lanzini – 7
Linked up the play between attack and defence excellently. the Argentine was always an option which was vital when Lyon pegged the Irons into their own half during difficult periods of the game.
Jarrod Bowen – 9
Undoubtedly the man of the tie. the Winger scored the all-important goal in the first leg to steal a draw as well as scoring tonight’s third and the goal that killed the game. He is vital to the West Ham team and every time the 25-year-old picked the ball up, he looked very dangerous.
Michail Antonio – 9
As now expected from him on big European nights, the Jamaican was superb upfront. Much like the first leg, he was a great focal point for the Hammers up top and held the ball up well to link up with his teammates. Lyon couldn’t deal with his strength and pace.
In other West Ham news, View: Antonio shares an embarrassing celebration story ahead of the Lyon clash.
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