It's player grades time after West Ham United drew away at Aston Villa

It’s Monday night and its away at Villa and West Ham left with a crucial point. All things considering, it was a match that just didn’t ever find a way to go the Hammers way.

This one made it tough to look at objectively as it seemed that is was more West Ham vs Mike Dean, not Villa but through it all, the boys still played tough and finished strong. With that, we hand out match week five’s player grades.

Grades from 0 to 10

Fabianski – 9 (The Green Street Hammers MOTM)

If Fabianski keeps this up he’s liable to win Hammer of the Year again this season as today he was nothing short of fantastic. With 5 saves, a crucial areal won, and another clean sheet, he saved the Hammers from a way worse result.

Masuaku – 6

Many including myself want to be harsher on Arthur as he was sent off with 33 minutes left, but a 6 is still what he earned. Was it his best match? No, did he get beat a few times? Yes but he didn’t deserve the punishment he was given either.

Ogbonna / Diop – 7.7

Yes, I have matched them together for more than one reason. First, they are playing extremely well together and second, both were once again crucial in helping Fabs keep a clean sheet. Statistically neither lit the world on fire, but both did what was needed to earn a point away.

Fredericks – 7.1

This week West Ham saw more growth from Fredericks as he continues to grow into the Hammers number 1 right back. Besides the 2 times he was disposed, he played well going up and down the right side and continues to be just what is needed on the right side.

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 16: Declan Rice of West Ham United battles with John McGinn of Aston Villa during the Premier League match between Aston Villa and West Ham United at Villa Park on September 16, 2019 in Birmingham, United Kingdom. (Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images) /

Rice – 7.8

Once again, the West Ham old school CDM played an amazing match and keeps getting better and better. Can you believe he’s only 20? I have 7 words for you, 96% passing accuracy with 6 tackles won.

Anderson – 7.4

Subbed 69′ minute

Anderson seemed to the main midfielder that could continually get up the pitch and put the pressure on. We saw again today that he can continually contribute on both sides of the pitch with a 80+% passing rate and 3 key tackles. He was only subbed off after the Masuaku incident for lack of defensive players.

Lanzini – 7.1

This was by far Lanzini’s worst match of the season and yet he still played well at times. He wasn’t the consistent jewel that we’ve come to know this season but I have no doubt that the international break didn’t have something to do with that. With that being said, he still completed over 90% of his passes and completed 4 key dribbles.

Noble – 6.7

Subbed 91′ minute

I feel like being a bit harsh on the Skipper which if you know me, this will be a bit of a shocker to you. His passing was off today and at key times, he didn’t connect the way his team needed. On the other side of the dime, he was the leadership needed to keep pressing on and without him, the outcome might’ve looked different.

Yarmolenko – 6.3

Subbed 62′ minute

One the anniversary of his magical match last season against Everton and after his solid match two weeks ago, we saw a much more down to earth Yarmolenko. Besides his 2 shots, it just seemed that he was none existent in the match which had something to do with his early departure.

Haller – 6.9

Seb Haller literally gave everything he had until the end of the match when you could tell he was physically and mentally gassed. His sub-par performance and average player grade really had nothing to do with him but the rest of the squad. Seb really didn’t get a lot of chances and it shows in a 0-0 draw.

Subsitutions

Fornals – 6.5

This was his 4th time coming off of the bench and luckily for West Ham, he was much more existent than Yarmolenko, who he replaced. His plus 90% accuracy and keeping the keeper honest with 2 shots (should-be 3).

Zabaleta – 6.2

Zaba really didn’t do anything special besides keeping a perfect passing rating, he just did what was needed to keep the game level after going down to 10 men.

Balbuena – 6

The General showed his face again for the Hammers first team but for only a minute. He did look enthused and ready when he sprinted on the pitch but that was about all the time he had before the whistle blew.

Next. Instant GSH match reaction from the West Ham draw at Villa. dark

WhoScored.com gave the Hammers an overall 6.72 score and that seems fairly accurate. As mentioned above, the boys gave it all and played well until the end to get the away point. A much more valiant effort than what was seen in previous seasons. We press on and get ready for United.

It’s player grades time after West Ham United drew away at Aston Villa

By Jeremiah Carson | Sep 16, 2019