OPINION
West Ham United bounced back from their 4-0 trouncing to Manchester City last week as they secured a terrific 3-0 victory over Newcastle United at St James’ Park on Saturday.
Manuel Pellegrini’s side were the better team from start to finish as they brushed aside the hosts on Tyneside, with a brace from Javier Hernandez and a late strike from Felipe Anderson doing the business for the visitors.
There were a number of fantastic performances in the Hammers team on Saturday, however there were the odd disappointments in what was overall a fine team display.
Forever West Ham has awarded every player a rating from their tremendous victory over Newcastle, with one man standing out for all the wrong reasons with a 5/10 score:
GOALKEEPER AND DEFENCE
Lukasz Fabianski – 7 – The Poland international was his usual composed self at the back for the Hammers. Dealt well with some short back passes and generally didn’t put a foot wrong.
Pablo Zabaleta – 6 – The veteran right back put in a solid shift against the Magpies but wasn’t at his effervescent best. Was involved in the build up for the first goal.
Issa Diop – 8 – The 21-year-old was solid as a rock once again as he dealt with the physical threat of Salomon Rondon well. Continues to go from strength to strength at the heart of the West Ham defence.
Fabian Balbuena – 7 – Looked like he took a knock at one point but continued to do his job to a high standard. Not as obviously brilliant as Diop, but did his bit well.
Aaron Cresswell – 8 – This was a really encouraging performance from the Englishman who produced his best display in months here. Had to come off early in the second half with an injury.
MIDFIELD
Declan Rice – 6 – The youngster struggled a bit in the early goings as he couldn’t to get to grips with the pace of the game. Improved as the match went on but not one of his finest efforts.
Mark Noble – 7 – The captain covered every blade of grass and made sure his impact was felt with an industrious display. His passing could have been better but helped see the team through to victory in the second half.
Robert Snodgrass – 8 – Snodgrass looked back to his best in this game as he influenced proceedings as much as any Hammers player. Put in a peach of a cross for Hernandez’s opener.
Felipe Anderson – 8 – Didn’t do much in the early goings but improved as the game wore on. By the end of proceedings he had given Newcastle man DeAndre Yedlin a torrid time and got his just rewards with a late goal.
ATTACK
Marko Arnautovic – 5 – The Austrian international wasn’t at his best on Saturday, unfortunately. Missed a couple of half chances and never really got involved. Perhaps his head wasn’t in the game?
Javier Hernandez – 8 – The Mexican reminded the West Ham faithful of what he could do with a smart brace at St James’ Park. Took both goals well and could have had more – an excellent effort overall.
SUBSTITUTES
Arthur Masuaku on for Cresswell (55) – 5 – Looked pretty nervy after his harrowing first half against City last week. Far below Cresswell’s level on Saturday.
Pedro Obiang for Arnautovic (70) – 6 – Did what he needed to do and helped shore up the Hammers midfield as they strolled to victory late on.
Jack Wilshere for Noble (85) – 7 – Got a few vital minutes on his return from injury. Ensured it was an afternoon to remember as he set up Anderson for the third goal.
