West Ham started their 2019/20 campaign in the same fashion as last year’s start by being thrashed by a potential league champion. This time however they let in 5 goals instead of the 4 from last season.
Now to be fair, most people around West Ham didn’t see this ending in favor of the Hammers but most looked for hope and even a draw. The first half showed promise but that promise was quickly upended by City in the second half. Before we move on to Brighton and the big West Ham Way event in Las Vegas, let us look back at yesterday’s player grades.
Grades from 0 to 10
Fabianski – 6
The Hammer of the year had 4 saves which says something with a scoreline that has a 5 in it. He even stopped a penalty that was turned around due to new FIFA rules, however, you can get a great grade when you let 5 past you in the pipes.
Fredericks – 7
I thought Ryan played really well all match, winning 3 aerials with 3 key tackles and passing well up into the 80th percentile. You might think 7 is high for a match with 5 goals but I assure you the report card only gets worse.
Balbuena – 4
The Paraguayan looked out-of-order yesterday afternoon as he never won a successful tackle. I completely understand that it’s Manchester City and its week 1 but if you are going to be a starting center back in this league, you better step up and stay up.
Diop – 4
The young center back also didn’t look up to his normal self and at a point almost kept out a shot but unfortunately helped it right to Gabi Jesus for the first goal of the match. I don’t think we should look to boot him of Balbuena out just yet but next week has to be a turning point.
Cresswell – 4
I have been preaching it all season and I will again. Aaron Cresswell shouldn’t be the starting left-back for West Ham. For me, he looked out-of-place and pace for most of the match and hope that his name won’t be called on next week.
Wilshere – 6 (subbed 56′)
I thought Jack looked ok for the majority of the match. He had 2 key passes that went rogue on him but other than that, he passing was good and he was in the mix and got dirty to try what he could to salvage something.
Rice – 7
Declan looked like his old self unfortunately, he was about the only one. His passing percentage was 91% and he added 4 key tackles which were more than both center backs combined. He can’t do it all but he certainly tried.
More from Green Street Hammers - West Ham
- Brighton vs West Ham predictions: Can James Ward-Prowse help end the curse?
- West Ham and two Premier League rivals made huge transfer stand
- Lucas Paqueta bet allegations discussed in West Ham and Man City transfer talks
- Bournemouth vs West Ham predictions: Premier League opener amid transfer chaos
- West Ham near Denis Zakaria transfer after final James Ward-Prowse bid
Anderson – 5 (subbed 66′)
It seemed as you watched that Felipe just couldn’t get anything going the entire match. The Man City defense clearly played to our strengths of going wide and it worked well, for them. He was taken out with a thigh injury, we just hope it’s not too bad.
Lanzini – 6
The Jewel looked well for West Ham, winning on 3 key dribbles and passing well into the 80th percent range. It seemed that when he got the ball he was swarmed but the black shirts of City and he didn’t get a lot of help.
Antonio – (subbed 45′)
His game of dribbles won and balls in the air won were not as evident today. He did win 3 times in the air but compared to the times tried it was none existent. I do disagree with him being subbed at the half, but I guess it was just time for Fornals to get a crack.
Haller – 7
You’re probably thinking how does a forward get a 7 with only 1 attempt on net. The debuting forward was all over the pitch, which isn’t common for West Ham forwards, breaking up passes and moving the ball about. Very impressed with what I saw on matchday 1.
Subs
Fornals – 5
As previously mentioned, I thought the Gaffer would’ve kept Antonio in but you could definitely tell it was Pablo’s first match in the Premier League. Although his stats weren’t bad, he looked somewhat lost. That will change in time.
Snodgrass – 6
Once again McMessi comes on and shows up the doubters. Although there weren’t any huge plays made, he did what was needed and filled in well for Wilshere in the second half.
Chicharito – 6
Only playing 23 minutes with some change, we saw more attacking out of Chicha than the rest of the match. I didn’t like seeing him take the free-kick but realistically, what did West Ham have to lose at that point?
WhoScored.com gave the Hammers an overall 5.88 rating which is fair to me because the only stat West Ham beat City on was throw-ins. Big things need to change before next week but we must stay calm and understand it was City and week 1. We just can’t keep giving up 5 goals a match again.