West Ham Players Graded after 2-0 Victory over Manchester United

West Ham soundly beat Manchester United 2-0 at London Stadium behind goals from Andriy Yarmelenko and Aaron Cresswell. The visitors never looked threatening and West Ham have now bested them in two out of their last three meetings.

Perhaps most importantly for Manuel Pellegrini’s men, this is the third clean sheet in league matches and fourth overall for the previously leaky Hammers. The three points earned sees West Ham move to 4th in the table.

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

Grades (/10):

Fabianski 8 – Wasn’t tested much but when he was, he came up huge. One massive save in the second half when the game was still 1-0.  And he gets full credit for his part in the four straight clean sheets. Hasn’t allowed a goal since August 24.

Cresswell 8 – This is how it should work when there is competition in the side to make the starting XI or even the bench. Masuaku out, Cresswell gets his chance and steps up big. His goal on the free kick iced the game for the Hammers.

Ogbonna 8 – There was a lot of head-scratching earlier in the year when Pellegrini inserted him into the backline in place of Fabian Balbuena. Proving once again the gaffer knows more about football than the supporters.  Clean sheets are proof.  Ogbanna has been a big part of that.

Diop 8 – Has played every minute for West Ham this season so far. Once again he made some key tackles, blocks and defended well without any mistakes.

Fredericks (80’) 6 – Will be checked for the injury that forced his removal. Not as impactful along the right side as in some of his prior games. But just like the rest of the side, he put in his shift in what was a team win.

Rice 8 – Let’s not take for granted what he does week in and week out. He is just so solid and good. Excellent in pairing with Noble in midfield regardless of who plays with them. Equally as confident carrying the ball or defending without it.

Noble 8 – Anyone recall that the Captain wasn’t in the match to start the season vs Man City, which the club lost 5-0?  And since he’s made his return from a summer knock we see the results on the score sheet and in the table. He leads, makes plays and talks his teammates through the match. Underrated by everyone outside of East London.

Fornals 6 – Inserted in the starting XI for the injured Lanzini, the Spaniard ran his boots off.  Showed his skill at times. Nice spin move in the second half.  At other times he is too light on the ball. But he appears to be growing into the league, which is good news as his services could be needed should Lanzini miss more time.

Anderson  (70’) 7 – Doesn’t seem to link up as well with Cresswell on his side vs Masuaku. Still made his presence known with the ball at his feet, especially in the final third. He’s quieted the talk about not tracking back too.

Yarmolenko (89) 7 – His goal right before halftime was obviously huge and one West Ham deserved.  Otherwise, tends to fade in and out of the game action.

Haller 6 – Didn’t score, but his work rate was sky-high. Held up the ball well, got his teammates involved and really just lacked the service he needed inside and around the box.

Subs Used:

Wilshere (70′) 6 – Earned a few free kicks, carried the ball well.  Looked good in a more attacking role.

Zabaleta (80’) 6 – Inspires confidence when he comes on a sub. You know he’s not going to make a mistake and can help see the game out.  Did that today.

Snodgrass (89’) NG – came on in the 89th minute.