Saturday saw West Ham turn in a terrific, dominant display to beat Steve Clarke’s West Brom 3 -1, the clean sheet denied by a late, somewhat dubious penalty. After one of the best performances I have seen from a West Ham side this season, here are my player ratings for the match.
Jussi Jaaskelainen: The Finn made some very good saves, the pick coming from Romelu Lukaku’s deflected free kick, which he expertly saved onto the post. Although I still think a new keeper is needed as I’m not exactly filled with confidence as he continually fumbles and drops the ball to gift the opposition chances. 7/10
Guy Demel: Strong attacking display again, showing pace and skill to pose continuous threats with fantastic over lapping runs to open up the West Brom defence. Solid at the back, substituted late on. 7/10
Joey O’Brien: Caused problems down the left, linking up well with Jarvis and posing a threat to the Baggies. Solid defensively as per, and was composed when returning to his natural position of right back. 7/10
Winston Reid: Impressive throughout the season, and impressive again. Didn’t have to deal with much of a threat from the quiet Lukaku but did his job as he should and took the captain’s armband when Nolan was replaced. 8/10
James Collins: Best performance I’ve seen from Ginge in a while, was composed at the back and set up Andy Carroll’s second with a beautifully weighted ball over the top. I hope to see more of the same. 8/10
Mo Diame: Looked more like the Diame the Hammers faithful grew to love at the start of the season with a powerful performance full of pace and skill, went close with a rasping effort first half and made some key challenges. 8/10
Gary O’Neil: 2nd best player on the pitch. O’Neil seemingly ran the midfield with his energy and eye for a quick pass. Helped to develop moves forward and also contributed defensively. Brilliant goal, which provoked chants of “he scores when he wants”. 9/10
Kevin Nolan: I thought the captain looked refreshed and back to his best in yesterday’s game. Put in a real shift and always looking to link up with Carroll. No major impact but much better from Nolan. 7/10
Ricardo Vaz Te: Although Vaz did provide the assist for O’Neil’s goal and ran the ball forward well, he looked somewhat lost when he was on it, not knowing what to do or where to pass. Lost out ridiculously in dangerous positions sometimes, but a little better. 6/10
Andy Carroll: MAN OF THE MATCH. Carroll didn’t put a foot wrong, scared the West Brom defence all game, they didn’t know how to handle him. Powerful header for the first goal and a wonderful volley for the second. I’m starting to hope we manage to sign him come the end of the season, especially if he continues to play like that. 10/10
I thought Matt Jarvis had a great game!!!! But you obviously didn’t, you haven’t even put him in the team!!! Oh dear Henry!
he did have a good game and wasnt mentioned
The fact that so many players have been mentioned just shows how good a team performance we put in on Saturday!
But for the sheer class of Andy Carroll’s finishing, the first an unstoppable bullet header! And the second an unbelievable over the boulder volley! Mean you just can’t give it too anyone else!
Hope we can tie him up on a permanent deal in the summer! It would be a clear showing of our future intent! COYI!
Oh and if i may, I would like to give a special mention to Jussi, who after his usual bit of nervousness, made at least a half a dozen very good saves again!
Vaz Te underrated needs to be played closer to Carroll 8/10
This site is poop. Jarvis was awesome but doesn’t warrant a mention, Jussi gives me kittens, Reid did well as Lukaku was a real handful, and McCartney came on as Joey was getting skinned. Hmmm.
Matt Jarvis is a proper winger and does exactly what he is in the side to do. Great game. Carrolls header was classic and expected, beacause thats what he does best…..but his over-the-shoulder volley with his “wrong foot” ??? Pure class. The boy has more to his game that many think.
needs to keep this up until the end of the season if we are to pay 17m for him he needed us as much as we need him.