OPINION
West Ham were aiming to continue their recent revival of form when they hosted Manchester United at the London Stadium and they did just that.
The Hammers defeated Man United 3-1 on Saturday to record their second league win of the season and several players stood-out for Manuel Pellegrini’s side.
Brazilian attacker Felipe Anderson put the Hammers ahead in the fifth minute of the game with fellow winger Andriy Yarmolenko doubling his side’s lead before the half-time break as his shot was deflected into the net.
Marcus Rashford pulled a goal back for Man United in the second-half but it ended up just being a consolation goal as Marko Arnautovic scored to restore the Hammers’ two goal lead.
Forever West Ham has awarded every player a rating for their performance during the 2-1 win over Manchester United, as one player scores a 10/10 to clinch the MOTM award.
Goalkeeper and defence
Lukasz Fabianski – 7 – Hardly tested in the first-half but had to stay alert when called into action. Made a superb save in the second-half to deny Man United pulling a goal back. Should have done better for Rashford’s goal.
Pablo Zabaleta – 8 – Expertly crossed the ball for Felipe Anderson to turn home in a neat fashion. Zabaleta was solid throughout the game and was an asset to his side. Did get exposed by Ashley Young on one occasion.
Fabian Balbuena – 8 – The centre-back cleared any danger that he had to and constantly looked a threat at set-pieces.
Issa Diop – 8 – Glided forward midway through the first-half and showed his comfort on the ball. Diop covered Masuaku whenever he had to, which wasn’t often, and was a rock at the back.
Arthur Masuaku – 7 – Hardly was tested defensively in the first-half so all his good qualities were on show. Didn’t standout but did his duties.
Midfield
Declan Rice – 8 – Coped with playing a high profile side with ease and would have gained even more confidence from his performance. Rice quietly got on with his job in midfield and looks like being the club’s ideal defensive midfielder.
Pedro Obiang – 8 – Quiet but effective. The midfielder constantly battles for his side and his work-ethic is vital as he does the running that perhaps Mark Noble can’t.
Mark Noble – 10 – The 5ft 9in tall midfielder’s (Source: Transfer market) desire can never be faulted and he was the one who spotted Zabaleta on the wing for the Hammers’ first goal. Noble kept getting the better of Pogba in the first-half. Easily one of the Hammers’ best performers on Saturday, deserves all the praise he can get. Assisted Arnautovic with a beautiful pass and deserved to take the Man of the Match award after a flawless display.
Attack
Andriy Yarmolenko – 8 – Showed glimpses of his threat could have done more given the space he was allowed in first-half. Yarmolenko is looking like a clinical force as while his goal, which put the Hammers took a deflection, he still had to pounce on the chance quickly in order to take it.
Felipe Anderson – 9 – Took his chance to grab his first Hammers’ goal and it was worthy of a highlight reel. Switched off defensively in the first-half and nearly gifted Man United an easy chance to equalise.
Marko Arnautovic – 9 – Was given so much space to roam by Man Utd. Showed how promising his link-up could be with his fellow attackers and ran the show in the first-half. Deserved his goal.
Substitutes
Robert Snodgrass on Yarmolenko (71) – 6 – Came on work hard and kept the Hammers going towards a vital win.
Michail Antonio on for Arnautovic (88) –N/A
Grady Diangana on for Anderson (90+) – N/A
