West Ham Player Grades as they draw Sheffield United in the Tevez Derby
West Ham United took on Sheffield United in the much-anticipated Tevez Derby this afternoon. After a frustrating 1-1 draw, it leaves many wondering if they would’ve done more.
Although the Hammers didn’t look as sloppy as they did the last time out at Everton, West Ham still had a few missed chances and had to be saved on a few occurrences. With that, check out how the players fared in this week’s player grades.
Ratings from 0 – 10
Roberto – 6.4
It was a tale of two halves for the Spanish keeper. Roberto saved the club in the first half but then left in a goal that would’ve gone.
Zabaleta – 6.6
This was the first time West Ham fans had seen Pablo Zabaleta in a while. The aging right back playing solid like usual but nothing really flashy or that stood out.
Balbuena – 6.8
El General was back to today’s matchup, but many are left wondering why. At times he looks uncomfortable and with little heart. However, he ended up winning 8 aerials and made a solid block at the end to help see out the draw.
Diop – 6.8
Issa Diop had a terribly sloppy yellow but then again, so did Fabian Balbuena in the second. He too played well at the back winning 7 aerial balls in. It’s hard to remember that he is still so young and it showed at times today.
Cresswell – 7
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
It was really good to see Aaron Cresswell back in action today as he solidified the left-back slot. Making over 80% of his passes was a nice change from a week ago and he was able to pressure the United backline on more than one occasion.
Rice – 7.3
Hey, guess what? Declan Rice had another solid match in the CDM role. He completed over 90% of his passes and was key in sniffing out a few Sheffield counters. The future Mr. West Ham was on it today and he was key in the draw.
Noble – 6.9
Subbed 78′
In typical Mark Noble fashion, he was playing aggressive. Which was good as he played well off the guy we will talk about next in the form of McMessi. Nobes gave his all again this week holding possession just over 6% of the time.
Fornals – 6.4
The more chances Pablo Fornals gets to play in the EPL the seemingly better he does. He didn’t do all that much either but he almost changed the game at the same time with that beautiful ball in that both Yarmo and Snoddy almost grabbed.
Yarmolenko – 7.5
The Ukrainian international was steady all the way through the match. Playing all 90 minutes, he was a difference-maker down the right side. His assist to Snodgrass was perfect and he was just a bit off at the end which would’ve seen the Hammers win.
Snodgrass – 7.9 The Green Street Hammers MAN OF THE MATCH
Subbed 87′
The big question mark at the start was will Robert Snodgrass take this opportunity and run with it? The answer, yes. McMessi had a few great early runs and almost setup Yarmolenko early. His goal was a thing of beauty and his heart has been missed.
Ajeti – 5.9
Albian Ajeti was basically a ghost today. After coming to a barrage of booing, he was just “there”. Zero passes and really zero help on a weird day for him.
Anderson – 7
Subbed 66′
Mr. Anderson looked much more confident this match than previous matches and it showed. He was able to dribble with ease, for the most part, today and even though he didn’t help put anything on the scoreline, he played a solid match.
Lanzini – 6.3
In no surprise to many, Manuel Lanzini didn’t start today. Once he came on for Anderson in the second half, he passed well, put in a good corner, and that was it.
Haller – 6.5
Sebastien Haller definitely needed more help on the box today, but he was also not helping himself. Another semi disappointing match from him as he didn’t even get a shot on net. It almost felt that he was better in the midfield than upfront.
Although it was a match where West Ham should’ve won and they didn’t take the chances when they came, a point a still a stepping stone to get back to winning ways. WhoScored.com gave the Hammers an overall grade of 6.69. Not great, not bad. Until next time, COME ON YOU IRONS!