WHZ View: Rice 7, Johnson 5 – West Ham player ratings in 1-0 defeat v Man United
Manchester United defeated West Ham 1-0 in a very dull encounter at Old Trafford on Sunday Evening.
An own goal from Craig Dawson was the difference on the night as West ham remain fifth in the Premier League table. The Hammers will be disappointed by their performance as they failed to provide any tests to Dean Henderson in the United goal.
David Moyes brought Mark Noble and Ben Johnson into the side as we looked to frustrate our hosts and shut them out. After the deadlock was broken, Manuel Lanzini and Said Benrahma were introduced, but neither were able to impact the game.
Overall, a frustrating evening to say the least. West Ham Zone have given the following ratings for their performances in the defeat at Old Trafford:
Lukasz Fabianski – 8
The pole was excellent between the sticks. He denied Mason Greenwood excellently in the first half, tipping his effort onto the post. Saved twice from Bruno Fernandes in the second half, coming off his line bravely for the second. Unlucky to be on the losing team.
Vladimir Coufal – 6
Had his hands full with Marcus Rashford, didn’t allow him to have much joy down the left. Stopped a certain goal by turning behind for a corner. Unfortunately we conceded from said corner, but nothing he could do about it.
Craig Dawson – 5
The defender should have cleared his lines but left it for Coufal to deal with and scored an own goal from the resulting corner. Couldn’t handle Greenwood or Rashford’s pace. He’s been so good since coming into the side, but struggled more as the game went on.
Issa Diop – 6
Lost Rashford for an early headed chance, lucky the United man made a mess of it. Made some good challenges and interceptions, got us up the pitch a few times. Nearly had a fatal sloppy touch, but got back well to recover possession.
Aaron Cresswell – 6
Not his best game. Kept Dan James quiet, but wasn’t great on the ball. Didn’t have many chances to cross or get the ball into the United back as we know he can do effectively. By his standards this season, not a good evening.
Ben Johnson – 5
Quiet first half as we stayed compact. Swapped to the right for the start of the second half and was hooked off within 15 minutes. Not good enough for the goal, as a defender he has to put a better challenge in on Scott McTominay. Never looked comfortable after switching flanks.
Declan Rice – 7
Our best outfield player by a mile. Sat deep on Fernandes in the first half and kept him quiet. Numerous interceptions and good challenges. After our formation change he got up the pitch more but wasn’t able to affect the game. Wasteful with a crossing opportunity before the end.
Tomas Soucek – 6
Looked shattered. Has worked very hard this season and always runs long distances. But today he looked sloppy in possession, a lot of misplaced passes. Wasn’t able to cause any damage to the United back-line. He will have better days, no doubt.
Mark Noble – 5
Definitely still has a lot to offer the club but shouldn’t really be starting these games. Off the pace, especially against the likes of Fernandes, Greenwood and Rashford. We looked a different team when he went off.
Jarrod Bowen – 6
Worked very hard, covered a lot of ground. Failed to create anything going forward, which is ultimately what he’s on the pitch to do.
Michail Antonio – 6
Isolated for the first hour of play. Ran the channels well as usual, tried to get us up the pitch, but failed to have any meaningful attempts at goal.
In other West Ham news, Aaron Cresswell is keen to push for England at the Euros.