West Ham’s result vs Premier League Leading Manchester City was not a surprise. It could be argued that the tactics and line up employed by Manager Manuel Pellegrini were surprising.
West Ham was set up to go for it, and the system did work to create chances for the Hammers. But as has been the case far too often this season, the Club was unable to finish any of them. Manchester City did, and the end result is that expected 4-0 defeat at London Stadium.
Here is how West Ham’s players graded in the match:
Grades (/10)
Fabianski–6 Made some big saves to keep the scoreline respectable. No real chance on any of their goals.
Masuaku – 4 (45’) One thing is certain, West Ham United do not have a left back in the club. Arthur Masuaku got the start in this one, despite his poor defensive ability. The first three Man City goals were the result of attacking up their right-hand side and Masuaku.
Diop – 5 Solid again. Not as involved in this match as his partner was.
Balbuena – 5 Issa Diop might be earning a reputation around the league as Manchester City forced play away from him and into Balbuena who had to carry the ball and pass it more than he has in several matches. A bit overexposed due to that, and he noticeably tired by the end of the match. One chance at a great header off a corner that just went inches wide.
Zabaleta – 5 Bullied some of the opposition off the ball, was game moving forward. Not as much link up play with Diangana or the center forwards as in recent matches.
Rice- 5 Much better this time out than last, but overall West Ham United’s midfield continues to be an issue for the club—even with Rice in it. Against an attacking club like Man City, there is only so much one player can do to slow them down.
Obiang – 5 Barely noticeable. Its been a stretch now since he has made any difference for the side either going forward or defensively in midfield. Figures to lose his place to Mark Noble (or Jack Wilshire) next week.
Diangana (55’)–5 Not much of an impact in this one. Taken off for the more experienced, but equally ineffective, Chicharito just after halftime.
Anderson (68’) – 6 Looks like he worked on corners and set pieces over the international break! All of the crosses he sent in were there for the attacking, but the Hammers couldn’t get on the end of any of them. Didn’t understand his substitution other than fresh legs.
Antonio- 7 Dare I say West Ham’s best player. But he still can’t find his touch inside the box, missing a pass to Arnautovic and sending another shot just wide on a 1v1 that absolutely has to go in for the Hammers to have any chance at all. That said, the Manager’s decision to give him a start did pay off as he was all energy and power all over the pitch.
Arnautovic -6 The only concern here continues to be that wonky knee, which forced him to limp off and up into the tunnel before the final whistle sounded. If he is lost for any stretch, the club can’t make up for his presence and threat. That said, in this match didn’t have the ball much or the opportunities to do anything with it. Playing alongside Antonio has got to be frustrating for him
Subs Used:
Cresswell (45’) – 5 Slightly better than Masuaku but still nowhere near a good enough left back for West Ham. Priority number one in the January transfer market is to improve this position.
Chicharito (55’) – 5 Continues to get major minutes off the bench and his long goal scoring draught also continues. Outside of a really nice through ball to Antonio, had no real bite into the game.
Perez (68’)- 4 His first extended playing time in a while and he did nothing of note with it. Another who was ineffective and barely noticeable.