West Ham United's Players Graded after Decisive 3-0 Victory vs Newcastle

West Ham went into St James Park intent on getting a result and they earned all three points in a decisive 3-0 victory over Newcastle. For once, the club took their chances in a more clinical fashion and also kept just their second clean sheet of the Premier League campaign.

Here is how West Ham’s players graded in the match

Grades (/10):

Defence

Fabianski–8

Not too busy in this one as 7 of Newcastle’s shots were not on target and they only created 1 big chance all match

Cresswell-6 (55’)

Before limping off with what appears to be a hamstring injury, was putting together his most solid game in a while. Made some nice defensive plays and carefully choose the moments to drive forward. Now as he figures to be sidelined for a stretch, the club will go back to Masuaku.

Diop-8

The performances are becoming a bit more consistent. This was a good one. He and Balbuena have formed a great partnership in West Ham’s central defense.

Balbuena –8

Made several strong clearances to stop Newcastle threats. A big reason the club go the clean sheet. Rock solid never panics.

Zabaleta – 7

Its well noted he won’t play all of the club’s December matches due to the miles on his tires. His steadying presence will surely be missed when he is out. The opinion on his replacement notwithstanding.

5 changes West Ham could make for Cardiff. light. Must Read

Midfield

Rice- 7

After a dud three weeks ago, he has been great again. Involved all over the midfield. Shows real instincts when cutting down opposing teams passing

Noble (85’) – 7

A welcome return to the side for the Skipper. Despite an early (questionable) yellow card, was able to have an impact going forward linking up play with Snodgrass and the forwards.

Snodgrass- 8

His ability to send threating crosses into the box was again on display, resulting in the first goal for Chicharito to send the club on its way.

Anderson – 8

That’s 4 goals in 4 games for the Brazilian. He also was involved in the build-up play for the others as well. Completed 89% of his passes

Strikers

Chicharito- 7

Manuel Pellegrini gives him the start and the result is two goals. The first one in particular off the cross from Snodgrass was excellent. He also put in the through ball to the back of the net that essentially killed off the game for the Hammers

Arnautovic (71’) -5

Not his day. He obviously is playing hurt and nobody knows how much that is impacting him from match to match and during the matches. Chalk this up to a bad day at the office. Still doesn’t appear to have any chemistry with Javier Hernandez.

Snodgrass shining under Pellegrini. dark. Next

Subs Used:

Masuaku (55’) – 5

Its always an adventure when defending and although no big errors in this one, he doesn’t instil confidence on that end. Get used to seeing him for a stretch now

Obiang (71’) – 5

A smart sub with the Irons p 2-0 for the gimpy Arnie who was not on his best. Neither was Obiang. No real impact.

Wilshire (85’)- 6

Had the assists on Anderson’s goal in the dying minutes of the match. A short run out for the midfielder who figures to get more time during this busy run of fixtures

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West Ham’s Players Graded after Decisive 3-0 Victory at St James Park

By Jeff Catlin | Dec 4, 2018