West Ham Players Graded after 4-2 home victory over a game Burnley

This was a much-needed result for West Ham on many fronts. The most important one is that they took all 3 points at home vs a resilient Burnley side.

West Ham scored 4 goals, the most by the club in any league match this season, and Felipe Anderson acquitted himself nicely from the midweek Carabao Cup match vs Spurs with two goals and noticeable presence on both ends of the pitch. Shall we mention Grady Diangana’s Coming out Party to boot?

Here are West Ham’s player grades following the match

Grades (/10):

Fabianski–6

Certainly the better of the two keepers on this day. Didn’t really have a chance on either of the Burnley goals.

Cresswell-6

Better today. He was the healthier of the two left backs and so he got the start. It wasn’t earned with his recent run of form. He’s nowhere near the impact player he was 2 ½ seasons ago for the Irons. On the periphery most of the day

Diop-7

Needs to work on defending the set pieces along with the rest of the club. He also could be better in the air on the same, but those are largely nits to pick. He and Balbuena continue their excellent partnership

Balbuena –7

Seemed to have more opportunity today to carry the ball out of trouble and get it to the midfielders. Solid on defense as always.

Zabaletta– 8

Excellent. Running out of superlatives each week to adequately explain his play and presence. With the armband on specifically, showing real leadership to his right-sided partner, the youngster Diangana, throughout.

Must Read. Hammers must drop passenger players. light

Midfield

Rice- 8.

Each week the interwebs come alive again with cries of “when is the club going to get his contract sorted” Each week that they wait, the more it costs them. And the more worrisome it becomes for supporters. This guy makes every tackle, stops every threat that comes his way, confidently moves the ball. One of the first names on the team sheet in a severe area of need for the club. C’mon Sullivan! Get this done!

Snodgrass – 7

Thankfully took over corners from Anderson and showed his skill in doing so. Closes down the opposition and puts in his shift week in, week out. Understandably started to run out of gas late because of those efforts.

Obiang (61’) – 6

Working his way back into things. Had a few shots from distance; none of which was particularly threatening, but against Joe Hart, why not try? With Anderson in a more free role, Obiang used to help cover.

Attackers

Diangana (86’) –9

Plain and simple: his coming out party. The game is not too big for him. Not only is he not afraid of the ball, but he also has the skill to do something with it when it comes to him. Assisted on Anderson’s first goal. And beyond that was a threat along the right side all game long. And should’ve created a penalty in the box that went uncalled. He didn’t resort to histrionics though. I imagine this call will go his way more often than not as his career progresses. Keeping more experienced players off the pitch with his play.

Anderson- 9 – MOTM

Did he hear the cries of the fans after last game? Did the manager? He scored two goals, which was huge for his confidence playing in a more freed up role on the pitch. But he was also noticeably tracking back in this match unlike in previous outings. Hopefully, he builds consistency from here. Man of the Match due to the goals. Could’ve gone to Diangana as well.

Arnautovic (91’) -8

Heart and soul player, which I am sure drives Stoke supporters bonkers. His energy and strength forced the Burnley error and created his goal, the Hammers’ first, which was well earned.

Next. Wingers star in exciting West Ham win. dark

Subs Used:

Chicharito (61’) – 7

It was nice to see his goal which iced the game for the Irons in the 92’minute. Has been better of late after returning from illness. Another one who is getting stick at the moment, perhaps this is something for him to build on.

Antonio (86’)- 6

Brought on to close the game out and (thankfully) get the ball into the corner and keep it there. Had an assist on the final goal.

Ogbanna (91’) – 5

Late defensive replacement

West Ham Players Graded after 4-2 Victory over Burnley

By Jeff Catlin | Nov 5, 2018