Dan Carter

Thu 21 September 2023 21:59, UK

West Ham United began their Europa League campaign with a 3-1 win over FK TSC Backa Topola on Thursday 21 September.

David Moyes’ side survived a scare as they were nowhere near their best after the Hammers boss made nine changes to his side that were defeated by Manchester City on the weekend and fell behind after Petar Stanic opened the scoring in the second half.

But the Irons recovered well and thanks to a first goal from Mohammed Kudus, an own goal from Nemanja Petrovic and Tomas Soucek’s first of the season ensured that West Ham took all three points from their first match in Europe this season.

West Ham Zone have rated the players out of 10 below;

Lukasz Fabianski – 6

Had very little to do given the Irons’ dominance and therefore hard to see how it would have helped him earn back his place as the Premier League number one. Little he could do to stop the opener as he was left all at sea by his defence.

Thilo Kehrer – 6

Received a birthday yellow card following a mistimed tackle in the opening period and was unlucky to see his shot saved in the opening 20 minutes as he was allowed to push forward.

Konstantinos Mavropanos – 6

Like most of the Hammers’ backline, the Greek defender had much more to do on the ball than in defence. Could have and maybe should have hit the target with his first-half header from Ward-Prowse’s corner, but Paqueta could have tapped home at the far post. Made a couple of important interventions at the back in what was a reasonable first outing on his West Ham debut.

Angelo Ogbonna – 3

The 35-year-old was at fault for the away side’s opener as he was easily muscled off the ball by Stanic who ran away unmarked to slot past a stranded Fabianski to ensure the Italian’s mistake was punished. Had otherwise been reasonably solid at the back as he used his physical presence but let both himself and his side down with his costly mistake.

Aaron Cresswell – 6

Never particularly got going at the London Stadium. Saved the Hammers’ blushes with a quick reaction to prevent Backa Topola from taking the lead in first-half injury time, but was unable to continue after picking up an injury and didn’t return for the second half as he was replaced by Emerson.

Pablo Fornals – 4

Completely anonymous in the middle of the park throughout the game as he failed to have any real impact on proceedings in his second start of the campaign. Sloppy passing let the Spanish midfielder down. Hooked on the hour mark and looked disappointed to be removed but had little to no impact on the match whatsoever.

James Ward-Prowse – 7

Was involved in goals at either end as he was partially at fault for Backa Topola’s opener as he under-hit his pass to Ogbonna which led to his mistake. Carried his usual threat from set-pieces and saw his excellent corner headed home by Kudus to give the Hammers the lead in the second half only to then register a second assist as Soucek powered home another excellent corner.

Lucas Paqueta – 5

Was nowhere near his best and seemed incredibly sloppy in possession, other than a couple of special touches didn’t hurt Backa Topola whatsoever. Should have tapped home Mavropanos’ header midway through the second half but couldn’t reach the ball in what was an incredibly uncharacteristically poor display that was nowhere near the Brazilian’s typically high standards.

Mohammed Kudus – 7

A goal on his first start for the Hammers and he could well have had more. While he may not have been awarded the opener as Nemanja Petrovic tapped into his net under pressure from the Ghanaian, there are no doubts his great header was certainly his goal. Displayed the mazy dribbling ability that earned him so many plaudits with Ajax and was the most obvious threat on the ball for Moyes’ side.

Danny Ings – 5

Afforded the chance to lead the line but struggled to prove why he should be doing it every week as his only first-half effort was more like a pass back. Was fairly anonymous until Antonio was introduced where he showed a bit more quality when alongside the Jamaican international. Doesn’t look like goalscorer Moyes’ side needs. Was replaced after 75 minutes by Tomas Soucek.

Said Benrahma – 7

Was quiet throughout the match but put in the all-important cross for West Ham’s leveller with an excellent right-footed ball having twisted his defender inside and out. The Algerian has that ability to produce a moment of magic from nowhere and that’s exactly what he did on Thursday. Few players have the level of skill that Brenrahma does on the ball.

Subs

Emerson – 6

Replaced Cresswell after he was seemingly struggling with injury at half-time, and got forward much more than the man he replaced but didn’t have much of an impact as Benrahma dominated the left flank.

Antonio – 5

Was introduced on the hour mark and should have done more with a pass from Ings but couldn’t take the ball in his stride. Should have scored as Paqueta put a chance on a plate for him, but couldn’t sort his feet out. Could have had a hattrick if he was more clinical.

Tomas Soucek – 7

Scored with one of his only touches as he powered home a header from a corner. Back amongst the goals and his usual threat from midfield.

Maxwel Cornet – N/A

In other West Ham news, Ian Wright has been blown away by Alphonse Areola’s performances for the Irons this season