West Ham Player Grades after Massive Win over Manchester United 3-1

West Ham are enjoying a quality run of form: 4 games unbeaten in all competitions; 2 wins and draw in their last three Premier League fixtures and 4 points from 6 in the last two matches against vs Chelsea and Manchester United.

Not bad for Manuel Pellegrini’s side, not bad at all. Not only would most Irons supporters have taken 4 points from these last two beforehand, but many would also have laughed to think that even possible a month ago. But today at London Stadium the Hammers started on the front foot and really Man U was never in it. In fact, outside of a ten-minute spell in each half, Man U never really looked a threat. And just like that, West Ham beat Man U 3-1. Their first win against them since the final game at the Boleyn Ground in May of 2016

Grades (/10)

Defence

Fabianski –7

Was never really challenged outside of a stray header from Lukaku that he saved. Had no real chance on Man U’s goal nipped in by Rashford. And once the game needed to be put away Fabianksi made all the routine saves look routine.

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Masuaku-5

His poorest performance of the season. Why is it Arthur always a hair away from getting a penalty in the box? The last two times he has gotten away with it. I felt his ball movement wasn’t as sharp today either. Man U regularly attacked down his side through Ashley Young who had the better of him all afternoon

Diop -7

Anytime you only give up one to this club the defense is doing something right. But some of the adventure was back in Diop’s game today, and that isn’t a good thing. Seems to regularly pull himself out of position and then has to recover.

Balbuena –8

The General is the type of commanding presence the Hammers haven’t had in the side since….? Winston Reid on his best days come to mind. Has settled nicely into the side.

Zabaletta– 7

Along with Noble, beginning to look like an ageless wonder. Does all the little things right. Worked well along West Ham’s right side advancing play and overlapping and interplaying with Yarmelenko

Midfield

Rice- 8.

This kid continues to impress. Why the club can’t get his contract sorted is beyond me. He deserves to be paid like a regular in the starting XI because he is. There is no coincidence that the club’s present run of form parallel’s his return to the pitch anchored in front of the back four. And unlike at times last season, there are no mistakes being made, just smart plays going both ways. me

Obiang – 6

Solid and effective although not as noticeable as in recent outings. Working well in his role but it took him a while to become in involved today. That could be in part due to the fact that the Captain was everywhere in midfield.

Noble – 9

Man of the Match. The captain was everywhere in midfield! Excellent passing the ball, especially picking out Arnautovic for the nail in the coffin goal. There were a few other times he picked the pass but just missed connecting. Several key tackles to break up play. When was the last time you could say West Ham’s midfield outshone Man U’s? Noble was the cause of that today.

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Attack

Yarmelenko (72’) – 7

Created the second goal that was ruled an OG for Lindelof just before halftime. That proved to be immense to take the pressure off of the squad. Continues to grow in fitness and into the side. A creative force along the right. Gives the opposing side a third worry after Arnie and Anderson

Anderson- (93’) – 8

Still a little weak on the ball at times for my liking, but you can’t deny his skill. His pace is also evident as he grows in confidence week after week. His flick into the net with his hell to open the scoring at just 6:00 in was Payet-esque in its flair. That goal set the tone all day for the Irons

Arnautovic (83’) -8

What heart, what desire, what work rate, what a final goal he scored to put the game away and secure all three points for his club. His gesture to honor injured teammate Carlos Sanchez shows what he feels about this club and the badge. What a signing he has been. He needs to be in the side in order for West Ham to reach their full potential, whatever that may be.

Subs Used:

Snodgrass- (72’) -7.

Thank goodness Pellegrini didn’t discard him the way the board wanted to. Put in a shift regardless of what is needed. Today he helped put the game away with his relentless closing down of the ball

Antonio (83)- 6

Came on and was good holding up the ball and doing his running. No real other chances, but that wasn’t what was needed today. Coming on as his sub is a preferred role.

Diangana (93) – 10

Here here! I love that the Gaffer gave this youngster the reward of his Premier League debut at home vs Manchester United just days after scoring the brace in the midweek cup game. And he shows his football IQ as with his first touch he smartly passed to his Captain Noble.