West Ham player ratings v Dinamo Zagreb – Ashby and Longelo shine, Yarmolenko flops
West Ham United fell to a 1-0 defeat to Dinamo Zagreb in the Europa League at the London Stadium on Thursday evening.
The game was decided by a sensational third-minute strike from Mislav Orsic which arrowed into the top corner off the post.
With the Hammers already guaranteed to win the group before the match, David Moyes named a very youthful side and handed full debuts to six players.
Here’s how West Ham Zone rated the Hammers players at the London Stadium:
Alphonse Areola 6
Could do nothing about Orsic’s stunning opener. Made a few good saves but had an otherwise quiet evening.
Harrison Ashby 8
Looks a really exciting talent. Loved getting forward down the right-hand side and put in a few dangerous crosses.
Jamal Baptiste 7
Looked confident on the ball if a little shaky at times, which was to be expected. A couple of good tackles and blocks on a solid evening.
Ajibola Alese 8
Much like his centre-back partner, he doesn’t look far away from being first team ready. Made a few nice passes, he seems a pretty tidy young player.
Emmanuel Longelo 8
As with Ashby on the other flank, Longelo was very keen to get forward and drive at Zagreb to take the game to the visitors. Relished his opportunity.
Mark Noble 4
Struggled to get control of the game and nothing really came off for him in the middle of the park. At least he looked interested, which can’t be said for some of the other senior players.
Alex Kral 3
Underwhelming. This was Kral’s chance to stake a claim for a place in the team but he did not take it. Sloppy in possession and just looked off the pace.
Andriy Yarmolenko 2
Another poor performance. Should have done more to close down Orsic for the midfielder’s early goal and that set the tone for a shocking evening for the Ukrainian. Looked lazy and unbothered, should leave in January.
Pablo Fornals 6
A decent showing from the Spaniard before he was substituted at halftime, probably in preparation for the Burnley game on Sunday.
Nikola Vlasic 5
Probably the most lively of the senior starters, but still couldn’t have as much of an impact on the game as he would have wanted to.
Sonny Perkins 5
Struggled for service upfront by himself so could not really get into the game. Did the best with what he was given and looked lively.
Subs
Said Benrahma 5
Freddie Potts N/A
Keenan Forson N/A
In other West Ham news, the Hammers need to make a decision on a transfer target who could be on the move in January.
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