While the Hammers’ performance was better today, the results were not, as West Ham United fall 1-3 to Arsenal. The Irons are now winless in their first three matches to start the campaign and find themselves at the bottom of the table.
There are no moral victories in the Premier League and West Ham need results. But the club looked much improved today and for the second straight week held a 1-0 lead. With any footballing luck at all, some of the early chances would’ve gone in. They didn’t, and after Diop’s OG, that was that. The last 20 minutes were a shambles as the team lost its shape, struggled to find any possession, and eventually broke down for the decisive third goal.
There were four changes to the side from the Bournemouth match and perhaps the Gaffer has found something in a couple of them that could be brought to bear against Wolves in a week’s time or in the League Cup tie vs Wimbledon on Tuesday. Only Arnautovic; Wilshire, Anderson, Masuaku, Balbuena, and Fabianski have made the starting XI for the first three matches.
Grades (/10):
Fabianski– 7. Once again when your goalkeeper is one of your best players and you still lose and ship three more goals that’s saying something about the back line in front of him. More on that ahead. Fabianski made several key saves that held the game at 1-1.
Masuaku-6. His best game of the early season so far. Linked up well with Antonio on the left side and was much more solid in defense. Looked a confident player on both ends of the pitch which is a good sign.
Diop-3 Took the place of Ogbanna, and after Diop’s performance today I expect the Italian to go right back into the side. At fault for the OG; several other mishaps playing the ball and errors in not marking his man. He’s young and he will improve. Today was not his day. Called to mind some of Declan RIce’s first games in the Premiership last season. An adventure all day.
Balbuena –6. I have liked what I’ve seen from The General in each match. He needs a steady partner. But the fact that he was quietly very solid today is the mark of a good defender in my book.
Fredericks– 6. A welcome return to the side along the right flank. A threat when using his pace with and without the ball. He should stick in the XI moving forward.
Antonio (63’) – 6. Really gave Bellerin trouble all day and consistently beat him around the 18-yard box. His finishes are lacking though and there was a shot he took when he should’ve looked to set up Arnautovic with a cross.
Sanchez– 7. Along with Fabianksi and Anderson, Sanchez was one of our best players on the day. Really stabilized midfield for the first time all season. Provided a good partnership with Wilshire and made several smart passes to get the Hammers out of trouble or start the counter. He belongs in the team until further notice.
Wilshere-6. Looked much more comfortable alongside Sanchez rather than with Mark Noble. Did well carrying the ball, closing down opponents and was solid throughout, but not spectacular as he can be at times.
Snodgrass (75′) – 6. He’s another who has looked likely to have solidified a spot in the starting XI. Took free kicks and corners (along with Anderson) and ran his legs off. When you have the skill of Anderson and Arnie in the side, there has to be a player left to do the dirty work. That’s Snodgrass.
Anderson-7. So THIS is what all the fuss is about. His best performance so far and it’s not even close. One of our best players on the day playing alongside or just behind Arautovic and linking up with the big striker for West Ham’s only goal. Created many more chances throughout the game and didn’t seem to hit the deck nearly as easily as in the first two matches. Growing.
Arnautovic (59’) -7. The West Ham Captain in the absence of Noble had the lone goal after a nice one-two with Anderson. Link up with the Iron’s new record signing was better than it was with Chicharito. Once Arnie left, the team seemed to really fall apart which speaks volumes about his importance in everything the team wants to do. Hopefully its not a serious knock and he is able to play against Wolves.
Subs Used:
Chicharito (59’) -5. Just ‘ok’ because he didn’t score. Held up the ball a little bit better today, was more active but the team really lost something when Arnie went down that Chicha was not able to replicate
Lucas (63′) – 4. Second straight sub appearance; this time against his old club. Had one chance well wide of the mark. Otherwise, no impact.
Yarmalenko (75′)– 4. His shortest and least effective outing on the season. After two games thought to be pushing for the starting XI; after today not so much. Would like to see him start in the League Cup game to see what he has from the opening of the match.