West Ham Players Graded after 1-2 Defeat to Bournemouth

There was much talk before the match that “the season starts this week” vs Bournemouth. For West Ham United and its supporters, the hope now shifts to the season REALLY starting next week in a London Derby at Emirates.

There is much to be sorted for Manuel Pellegrini after this sound 1-2 defeat to Bournemouth at the London Stadium before the London derby vs Arsenal at Emirates in a weeks time. Despite making 3 changes to the side, West Ham was simply not good enough—especially in the second half where the Cherries controlled the game all over the pitch.  Afterward, the Manager admitted he is still looking for his best side. It wasn’t on the pitch today, that’s for sure.

The team is yet to score a goal in open play to start the Premier League season, a fact that has to be troubling considering how much money was spent on attacking players in the transfer window. The schedule doesn’t get any easier from here either. After match week 2, the Irons find themselves in an all too familiar spot over the last 8 months, looking up at everyone in the table.

Grades (/10):

Fabianski– 4.  He didn’t look good on the first goal after Wilson beat at least three Hammers on the way to the 6-yard box, His shot beat Fabianski easily. Didn’t have much of a chance on the corner. This will be a theme—just not good enough.

Masuaku-4. One memorable run right at the heart of the Bournemouth defense in the first half, but largely absent for long stretches. He and Anderson have not figured each out how to play together along the Irons left side.

Ogbonna-3. Possibly in danger of losing his spot in the side despite his experience. The 2^nd goal off the corner was all him and he was attempting to play the man but didn’t see the ball come in at all. On the first goal, he was the last man beat before Fabianski was nutmegged. Not good enough.

Balbuena – 4. Maybe our best player on the day? Of all the new signings he seems the most comfortable playing right now. I like his defending, his passing out of the back, he wins balls in the air at both ends of the pitch.

Zabaleta– 4. Harsh to have Fredericks go from starting XI to not making the bench in favor of Zabaleta in my opinion. Was solid as usual but as usual, nothing sticks out on this day.

Snodgrass (77′) – 5. Deserved his spot today; looked like a player hungry after spending time in the Championship and relishing his chance to play. Attempted to make some things happen but again, nothing really did for West Ham.  Took the corners but failed to connect on any of them.

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Noble (77’)-4.  Appeared to be mad at being taken off. Are Wilshire and Noble too similar of

players? Could be. With this many new players in the squad and on the pitch, I expect him to be able to carry out what the Manager’s game plan is for everyone else to see and follow. I am not seeing it

Wilshere-5.  He’s definitely better with the ball at his feet; created the few chances we had in the second half, especially late. I would like to see him alongside Rice or Obiang rather than the Skipper.

Anderson -3. I feel I am the lone voice in the wilderness here, but I am just not seeing it yet with him. He doesn’t run hard, he doesn’t track back and he doesn’t close down. He has the skill, that’s obvious but he’s not making enough of it. He had the ball once in the 6-yard box and immediately fell down at first contact. Needs to learn how it works in the Premier League. Not good enough….yet.

Chicharito- (67’) 5. West Ham Supporters calling for him as a second striker alongside Arnie got their wish. His work created the penalty that resulted in our only goal. Had some nice 1-2s with Arnie. I don’t think at this point it matters how we set up to attack; we’ve got problems everywhere behind He and Arnautovic.

Arnautovic -5. Had our lone goal on the penalty kick created by his strike partner. Was involved a bit more today than in the opening match. Still needs better service but nowhere near the problem today or against Liverpool for that matter.

Subs Used:

Yarmalenko (67′)- 5. Once again his skill was on display when he came on as right wing. For my money, he needs to start next week and get a full run out to really gauge what he can do. After two games he has been noticeable when coming on to the pitch. Also one of the few players that don’t seem to be afraid to attack with the ball in the final third.

Lucas (77′) – 4. Had a few touches but didn’t make an impact in the short amount of time he had. Not sure if he was setting up in the middle or more along the left. By this point, the side was completely out of sorts.

Sanchez (77′) -4. Played the DM role right in front of the back 4 when brought on when it was already 2-1. Not much time to make an impact either way for his new found home at West Ham.