West Ham United’s draw at the weekend vs Chelsea is one of those times where you respect the point and move on to the next fixture.
Although Andriy Yarmelenko might feel differently about the outcome for West Ham. The Ukrainian International had a chance to bag all three points if he could’ve found the back of the net late in the second half with his missed header after a beautiful cross was set on a plate for him by Robert Snodgrass.
There were a few other chances created in the game by Antonio and Anderson as well, despite a lack of possession enjoyed by the Hammers. Maybe the greatest building block from this match is the club’s first clean sheet of the campaign, led by Lukas Fabianksi, Declan Rice, and the General and Issa Diop in central defense. All in all, that’s four points in the last two games after the international break for Manuel Pellegrini’s men.
Grades (/10):
Fabianski–8.
Every week it’s the same thing; two or three absolutely killer saves from the goalkeeper. He has been massive this season. One of the contenders for man of the match in this one.
Defence
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Masuaku-6
Is it me, or is his defending actually getting better? I still think ultimately he’s best as a wing-back rather than left full back. But he belongs in the side because he is a player that likes the ball at his feet, and can actually do something with it when he has it.
Diop-7
He and Balbuena are forming a nice pairing of center backs for West Ham. And the fact that he is young and figures to get better with experience is exciting. For the first time this season he didn’t have any mishaps in this game to overcome.
Balbuena –7
Great moving the ball on to the midfield in this one. Great defending. A steady, consistent presence on the back end. Working well with his partner too. Its going to be very tough for Angelo Ogbanna to break back into the side outside of injury.
Zabaletta– 6.
The fact that Chelsea didn’t exploit him over and over along their left is a wonder. Or maybe it speaks to the typical older professional; knows his positioning well and uses it make up for lack of pace. Solid again.
Midfield
Rice- 8.
Another contender for Man of the Match. He seems to have found his spot as the defensive midfielder providing cover right in front of the back four. He has been immense the past two matches. Poised when breaking up plays, making the pass or going for the tackle. One of the first names on the team sheet for me
Obiang – 6
Not as noticeable this week as last, playing behind Antonio rather than the injured and out Arnautovic. Still, as part of the midfield three with Rice and Noble, no question it’s is working and Obiang’s part in that shouldn’t be overlooked.
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Noble (85′) – 7.
The more supporters call for him to be replaced as a regular in the starting XI; the more the Captain proves his worth. Yes, he might be losing his legs, but his leadership both verbally and by example are needed on the pitch. No coincidence to me that when he got back in and with Wilshere out, the club has played its best so far.
Attack
Yarmelenko– 7
He had the game on his head late in the second half. Prior to that created his chances again; just didn’t bury them as he did vs Everton. The fact that he’s always going to his left foot, yet the defense still can’t stop him from making his move says a lot about his skill. I love his size up front too.
Anderson- (74’) 6
He wasn’t quite as involved this time around. Could’ve been due to Chelsea game planning against that; especially with WHU’s best player missing. His speed and passing are standouts—he just needs more consistency both within the game and from week to week.
Antonio (64’) -6
He can’t score. Had two glorious chances, both from within the box. One sailed over the bar, the other went straight into Arrizabalaga’s body. Still can’t make the full 90 either. He has something, but I agree that it’s as more of a sub when he can come on against tired opponents and run at them.
Subs Used:
Lucas Perez (64’) 4.
Invisible to me each time he has come into the game. Same thing here. I don’t think he’s any better than Jordan Hugill; just has a different name and pedigree.
Snodgrass- (74’) -7
What. A. Cross. To feed Yarmelenko. That was the game and the opportunity right there and he created it. Beyond that singular play, he was great and added something when he came on