With David Moyes in charge for under three days, many would have been forgiven for not anticipating an immediate impact. But the Scot proved them wrong with a blistering display, as his West Ham side put four passed Bournemouth and climbed out of the relegation zone.
Here are our player ratings to kick-start Moyes’ second reign at West Ham United.
Fabianski
This Week: 7
Super Fab had an unusually quiet afternoon, which after one and a half seasons of chaos in the box, he will be delighted with how the West Ham defense helped him out today.
Fredericks
This Week: 8
One of his best games in a claret and blue shirt, Ryan Fredericks provided a delightful assist for Seb Haller’s spectacular finish to make it 2-0. In all honesty, he could have had more assists to his name as his delivery was spot on all evening.
Balbuena
This Week: 8
Back to the Fabian Balbuena of last season. Dealt with everything that came his way and looked assured coming up against the pacey pairing of Callum Wilson and Dominic Solanke. His distribution could do with some working on, however.
Ogbonna
This Week: 9
In the running for Hammer of the Year, and if he maintains the level of performance that he did tonight for the remainder of the season, he may pick up the crown at the end of it. Didn’t give the Bournemouth attacking pair a sniff and worked well with Balbuena.
Cresswell
This Week: 7
Perhaps he got a little lucky with his overturned red card late in the second half but otherwise linked up with Felipe Anderson superbly on the left-hand side and was unlucky not to finish the game with an assist of his own. Note: Struck possibly the worst free-kick of all time.
Rice
This Week: 8
Marshaled the midfield superbly alongside Mark Noble, with five tackles won and 14 ball recoveries. He even managed to get an assist with a delightful ball over to Anderson who drove infield and sealed the victory.
Noble
This Week: 10
If this performance doesn’t earn him a perfect rating, nothing will. Two goals to open his account for the decade and more Cruyff turns than Cruyff managed himself. Oozed class in the middle of the park with a much-needed captains’ performance.
Snodgrass
This Week: 8
Set up the first goal which got the Hammers on their way, and from that point, they never looked back. Linked up well with Fredericks on the right and side and worked as tirelessly as ever.
Fornals
This Week: 7
Didn’t manage to join in on the party of the number with a goal or an assist but the effort that he put into the match was there for all to see. Had a couple of attempts in the latter stages of the match which, with better finishing, would have been the icing on the cake.
Anderson
This Week: 8
His best performance since his masterclass against Norwich earlier on in the season and he rounded it off perfectly with his first goal of the season. He supported Haller up-front and linked up well with everyone in the team to cause constant headaches for the Bournemouth defense.
Haller
This Week: 9
The big man looked back to his best and scored a sublime goal to make it 2-0. His hold-up and link-up play were instrumental in many of West Ham’s attacks and he will be looking to build on this performance for the second half of the season.
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Lanzini
This Week: 7
He came on and made an impression like he had a point to prove. He drove at the Cherries defense with purpose and was unlucky not to get on the scoresheet with a well-saved header.
Masuaku
This Week: 7
Came on late on and did his job well. He found himself roaming all over the pitch and put on a bit of a show at times with nice touches and his trademark dribbles.
Manager
Moyes
This Week: 10
Well, that will have silenced the doubters up for the time being at least. What a contrast to the dull and uninspiring performances that West Ham have been displaying over the last three months. If he keeps this level of management up for the remainder of the season, he will have the full backing of the claret and blue army.
Verdict
So overall, not a bad way to start the new year, eh? Nobody earned less than a rating of seven, as it was a great all-round team performance that the fans deserved. Here is to many more showings like this for both Moyes and West Ham United!