West Ham Player Grades after 2-0 Victory over Fulham

West Ham are a club firing on all cylinders having won 4 on the trot after a 2-0 victory over Fulham in West London.

Manuell Pellegrini’s men have moved into 9th spot in the table and he is pushing all the right buttons at the moment. Even on a day when its arguable how well the Hammers played, there is no arguing with the results and the chances taken that went into the back of the net in the first half. After the second goal was put in by Antonio at the 29th minute, West Ham saw out the game in a professional manner.

Here is how the players graded in the match

Grades (/10):

Fabianski–8

He was the busier of the two goalkeepers and was forced into making a quality save early in the match at the 9’ mark to keep it scoreless.

Masuaku-7

A player that is improving along with the club’s form. He made several noticeable defensive stops today. Still not seeing the quality in the final third as when he was deployed as a wing-back under Moyes, but his current role doesn’t call for that with Anderson playing in front of him.

Diop–7

Quality throughout. Even though Fulham had their chances and there were some frightening moments inside the 18-yard box, Diop and his partner cleaned up the messes.

Balbuena-7

A clean sheet, several headers away from trouble along with his usual tackles and calmness on his clearances. What a bargain buy he’s turned out to be

Zabaleta- 7

Moving forward in attack he left space for Fulham to exploit in behind, but despite his age, has no trouble tracking back and stopping the threat. One tremendous block inside the box late in the second half.

Rice- 7

Professional day at the office. Early on Fulham exploited WHU midfield but after the lead was pushed to 2-0 Rice seemed to settle in and exert his usual influence in the middle of the park

Noble (62’)- 6

Seemed to be favoring his right leg when taken off and was sitting on a yellow card. Sensible substitution. No coincidence to these eyes that this run of form started when Noble returned to the starting XI

Snodgrass – 8

What a goal! Off a quality assist from Anderson and a quality win of the ball. Snodgrass was left alone and McMessi drove it into the top corner.

Anderson -8 MOTM

Not only was it a beautiful assist on the Snodgrass goal; his speed was on full display all over the pitch. The centering pass was great, but his effort to first win the ball back vs the defender to even be able to make the pass was most impressive. He also got his knees dirty with a few tackles too.

Chicharito (73’)- 7

One excellent flick on that didn’t amount to anything and then the header flick to Antonio that did. He’s getting his chances and getting his minutes.

Antonio (85’) -8

Back at Center Forward for the injured Arnautovic; dare I say he’s found his goal-scoring touch. Never would I think he could knock a ball down with one leg and nutmeg it through for a goal with the other. Turning into (or back into) a versatile and valuable player for the squad during this stretch

Subs Used:

Obiang (62’) – 6

A cut below the midfield that starts the game. Made a few tidy plays when he had the chance. Also tried to get involved moving forward, but he was brought on to save Noble and play smart defensively. Mission accomplished.

Carroll (73’) – 6

Looks leaner than he has in recent memory. Still trying to find his way to the end of any cross. Didn’t appear to be as rusty when he had the ball at his feet in this match.

Diangana (85’)- NG

Brought on late for Antonio to see the game out