OPINION
West Ham racked up their first win of the season last weekend and were hoping to achieve their first win at the London Stadium when they hosted Chelsea on Sunday.
The Hammers stormed to 3-1 victory over the Toffees but were aware that in order to keep up their winning streak they would have to rob the Blues of their ability to keep their 100% start to the season in tact.
However Manuel Pellegrini’s side weren’t able to make it two wins in row but the Blues weren’t able to hold onto their 100% record either as the two teams shared the points with the game ending as a 0-0 draw.
Forever West Ham has awarded each Hammers player a score out of 10 for their display against Chelsea, as two players struggle in 3/10 but one summer recruit shined to an 8/10:
Goalkeeper and defence
Lukasz Fabianski – 8 – Didn’t have much to do in the first half despite Chelsea dominating. Made a great save to deny Álvaro Morata scoring moments after he entered the game. Made another top-notch save to deny Ross Barkley near the end, the summer recruit shone in Sunday’s game.
Pablo Zabaleta – 7 – His experienced proved vital as he used it to try to keep Chelsea at bay as long as possible. Zabaleta was a reassuring presence whose leadership qualities shone throughout.
Fabian Balbuena – 7 – His no-nonsense style was what was needed against the Blues but perhaps should aim not to give his opponents corners needlessly. Also needs to be wary when slicing at the ball as it nearly led to a blooper in the first half.
Issa Diop – 7 – Calm and comfortable when on the ball. Solid performance which he can build on.
Arthur Masuaku – 3 – Nearly got exposed by Eden Hazard in the early stages as no matter how good he is going forward, he isn’t a left-back. Masuaku, who earns £40,000-a-week (Source: Spotrac), is a liability.
Midfield
Declan Rice – 7 – Expertly made the most of a rare Chelsea mistake to launch the ball to Andriy Yarmolenko who played in Michail Antonio in the first half but the attacker hit the post instead of the back of the net. Rice handled the Blues’ world-class midfield with comfort in an admirable performance.
Pedro Obiang – 7 – Underrated, the central midfielder oozes calmness and confidence in possession. Obiang quietly did a good job to aid his side’s cause.
Mark Noble – 6 – At times his lack of pace was exposed but the way he got himself in the right position in the first half to stop Hazard creating an opportunity showed his spirit. Noble had arguably the best game of the season.
Attack
Andriy Yarmolenko – 7 – After his heroics against the Toffees last weekend, the Hammers tried to launch everything through him but to no avail. Kept taking too many touches in the first half and didn’t seem to adapt that he had to play quickly to stop Chelsea closing him down. However got better as the game went on apart from the fact he failed to turn home Robert Snodgrass’ cross.
Felipe Anderson – 7 – Came to life in the first-half as he showcased his determination to run for his side, which resulting in the Hammers’ winning their first corner of the game. Skilfully creating an opportunity for Antonio in the first half but the attacker fluffed his lines. The summer recruit looked the most likely to create dangerous opportunities for his teammates to bury. It was an odd decision to bring him off.
Michail Antonio – 3 – Isolated. Didn’t try to drop deeper in order to get the ball. Antonio was handed a golden chance to fire his side ahead but fired his effort wide, it was a very poor attempt. However did hit the post moments later.
Substitutes
Lucas Perez on for Antonio (65) – 3 – Didn’t make a positive difference to the game as he was unwilling to run for his side’s cause.
Robert Snodgrass on for Anderson (74)- 8 – Instantly entered the game and gave his all for the cause. The winger may not be the most naturally talented player in the Hammers squad but he works hard. Snodgrass nearly instantly gave his side the advantage as he whipped in a pinpoint cross for Yarmolenko to turn home.
Carlos Sanchez on for Noble – (85) N/A
