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Massive climbs for West Ham players on Bleacher Report week 11 power rankings

By Adam Smith

LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Felipe Anderson of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Burnley FC at London Stadium on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 03: Felipe Anderson of West Ham United celebrates after scoring his team's third goal with his team mates during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Burnley FC at London Stadium on November 3, 2018 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images) /
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West Ham built on a strong 1-1 draw at Leicester in week ten with a massive 4-2 outburst against Burnley. West Ham looked completely dominant in this match, holding onto the ball and putting an insane amount of effort into their attack. The win resulted in a few huge boosts in Sam Tighe‘s power rankings.

The Bleacher Report weekly ranking, EPL100 can be seen here. It ranks the best players by positions after each week, taking into consideration their performances from the week that was, and the form they have strung together over the past few matches.

Let’s get into the Iron’s rankings:

Keepers: Lukasz Fabianski -2nd

Previous: 1st

The West Ham keeper didn’t lose his place based off of his performance but was usurped by Martin Debravka of Newcastle who had a terrific match. Dubravka maintained a clean sheet in a win over Watford which is something that should be recognized when a team like Newcastle can manage it.

Fabianski had three shots against and two of those went for goals. The first was a misplay by Issa Diop which are few and far between, and the second was poor marking on a corner kick. Neither were on Fabianski so I’m not worried. A dysfunctional Huddersfield Town attack promises a bounce-back for Fabianski.

Centre-backs: Issa Diop – 7th

Previous: 8th

A bit of a headscratcher here, but West Ham’s Issa Diop has gained a power ranking position after the West Ham win. He didn’t factor into any of the Hammers’ goals and was actually at fault for the first goal against after missing two consecutive headers.

I guess when your team wins you probably had solid defense regardless of shipping two goals so there is that chance. Diop and Balbuena were superb at shutting down Sam Vokes and Matej Vydra throughout the game and despite two goals against still looked solid. Where is the Balbuena love though?

Right-backs: Pablo Zabaleta – 4th

Previous: 8th

A massive and appropriate rise for West Ham’s ageless wonder as Pablo Zabaleta continues to do the damn thing every week. West Ham fans will tell you that he busts his ass all game long but the most important aspect of his game is his leadership, especially with the absence of Noble and with newbie Grady Diangana ahead of him.

He was highlighted as the highest rising RB and garnered a headline quote: “The real storyline in this section is Pablo Zabaleta, who over the last six weeks has been monstrous, finding a level most thought completely beyond him. He’s playing like a man possessed.”

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Central/Defensive midfielders: Declan Rice – 11th

Previous: 11th

A little underwhelming, but understandable for Declan Rice maintaining his 11th ranking. He has a lot of competition with the wealth of extremely talented midfielders that the Premier League has to offer and being sandwiched between N’golo Kante (10th) and James Milner (12th) is a solid position for Dec.

With his contract dispute being extremely public a lot of top-6 attention is coming young Declan’s way. It certainly is warranted, however, as this 19-year-old player is stepping up in the absence of his clubs captain on the pitch.

Attacking Midfielders/Wingers: Felipe Anderson – 20th

Previous: unranked

This is my only area of gripe on this entire rankings list. I understand the rules of power rankings, I understand that every player has to be pitted against his former ranking as well as the performances of his peers, but come on really? Felipe Anderson’s brace against Burnley deserves a higher re-debut on the list.

For example, after match week ten Anthony Martial debuted in the top-20 power rankings at 16 after a brace, while still ranking behind fellow debutant Riyad Mahrez who scored one goal that week. Where’s the consistency? Truth is, Felipe Anderson could have had four goals in this match if not for a ridiculous goal-line clearance and a stubborn post. He deserves more and SHOULD shoot further up the rankings after another strong performance.

Strikers: Marko Arnautovic – 5th

Previous: 10th

A massive rise for West Ham’s offensive lynchpin! He got his just rewards for constantly putting pressure on the opposition’s defenders as the Burnley centre-backs flubbed a pass to Joe Hart which Arnautovic happily hit first touch past the keeper stuck in no-mans-land.

Next. West Ham must avoid a repeat of Brighton disappointment. dark

Arnautovic celebrated in his characteristically abrasive way, laughing in the face of the defender, but despite his poor sportsmanship, he is literally driving the bus for West Ham. His presence draws defenders attention and creates space for players like Grady Diangana and Felipe Anderson. He is one the reason both had such tremendous games, and he is the reason West Ham are starting to climb the table again.

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