West Ham showed a hearty second-half performance in their 2-1 defeat to Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
After a disappointing first half where the Hammers couldn’t get near the league leaders, which ultimately left them 1-0 down at the break, Graham Potter’s side dominated possession in the second, and had a late equaliser to show for it only to be cruelly denied minutes later from a Virgil van Dijk header.
West Ham almost responded once more in stoppage time to make it 2-2 when substitute Niclas Fullkrug smashed the bar from a header, but the visitors went home defeated but with their heads held high.
West Ham’s best player in the game according to SofaScore was Aaron Wan-Bissaka, who earned a 7.9 match rating after a terrific performance away from home.
The right-back won seven of his 10 duels in the game, was not dribbled past once, had three successful dribbles, and was pivotal in West Ham’s equaliser in which he crossed it low only for the ball to be turned in by Andy Robertson.
He ranked just behind goal scorer Luis Díaz in the match ratings across both teams, summing up what was an outstanding display from the defender.
Wan-Bissaka’s super season
Wan-Bissaka has been a revelation since joining the Hammers last summer for just £15 million, making him one of the few successes of last year’s transfer window.
The former Man United man has been West Ham’s second-best performer this season according to SofaScore, closely behind skipper Jarrod Bowen who will undoubtedly be giving Wan-Bissaka a run for his money for the Hammer of the Year title.
The 27-year-old’s work rate, pace, ability on the ball and hunger in defence has made him a standout performer for the Hammers this season and will surely be a player Potter will be looking to build a team around next season.
With top-flight clubs possibly showing interest after his excellent season, keeping the defender should be a priority for West Ham as they aim for a stronger year ahead.
