West Ham secured a 3-1 victory over Cardiff City and in doing so earned their first back to back Premier League victories since January 2017. Yes, its been that long.
It wasn’t always easy, as after the first 45 minutes the match was scoreless and looking every bit like prior tilts vs Brighton and Huddersfield. But this one turned on the foot of Lucas Perez, on for the injured and hobbling Marko Arnautovic. His injury is the only blemish for West Ham during an otherwise dominant performance.
Here is how West Ham’s players graded in the match
Grades (/10):
Fabianski–8
Once again made some huge saves when the match hung in the balance; none more so than the Penalty kick from Ralls at the 35’ minute. Nobody has more PK saves in the Premier League over the past two seasons.
Masuaku-6
He was fine in this spot against a side that never was really much of a threat. It does give one nightmares to enter a match with a Half Back tandem of Arthur and Antonio. Had an assist on the Perez 2nd goal.
Ogbonna-6
A good professional performance free from some of the mistakes that caused him to lose his spot in the starting XI in the first place. Had a good chance on a header that forced a very strong save from Etheridge early on.
Diop–8
Moved to his favored right side of the CB pair for this one and was another Hammer who was noticeable all match long. Several good clearances, tackles, and blocks throughout
Antonio – 7
He scored! From a Right Back Position! Not even at central forward or winger can he get one in but he got the decisive third here. I can’t figure him out. But the bottom line is that he has played well now for two matches (he was left out vs Newcastle to prepare for this one) in a row and was not an adventure defensively against Cardiff
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Midfield
Rice- 7
Cut and paste from previous matches. Great command and control in midfield. Carried the ball more upfield today because the opposition allowed it. Noble then covered in a deeper position behind him when he did.
Noble – 7
Didn’t have the legs today that he did three days ago but that’s to be expected. Did his job in a total team effort.
Snodgrass (76’)- 8
Again took the corners and dead balls in this one. His through balls to Perez and Antonio directly led to the 1st and 3rd goals. Involved until he came off late.
Anderson -7
Almost nicked a late one to get a 5th goal in as many games. His speed along the left side was too much for Cardiff City defenders to handle. Outran them for the ball and beat them when carrying the ball to the final third.
Attack
Chicharito (64’)- 5
Obviously didn’t bag the goals today that he did on the weekend in getting his second straight start. Not as involved outside the box in this one either. Unlike the team overall, still waiting for Hernandez to have two good games in a row.
Arnautovic (40’) -5
It’s an easy second guess as to why he started at all, but I will make it anyways. I am sure he tells the Gaffer he’s fit and ready. But again, he comes out hobbling, this time reaching for his hamstring. You can make the case this was an easy match to rest him but now the team will have to deal with the consequences if he is out for an extended period. If he IS somewhat healthy, I will make the case he needs a stretch off to heal anyways.
Subs Used:
Perez (40’) – 8
Man of the Match on the back of two goals in five minutes in the early stages of the second half that put the Hammers ahead, and ahead to stay. This is the definition of an impact sub, whether it was made for injury purposes or strategic reasons the results speak for themselves.
Carroll (64’) – 5
The big man got his first minutes of the season in this one after supporters have been clamoring for a look for the past two matches. Outside of one strong header off a corner late that forced a save, he did nothing to be noticed.
Diangana (76’)- 7
Another sub who was noticed was the youngster. The fact that he didn’t score was mostly due to ball luck. His skill was on display for everyone to see in and around the 18 yd box during his time on the pitch. Almost set up Anderson for a 5th but the Brazilian couldn’t put it home