West Ham secured a huge three points defeating fellow European chasing Wolves 1-0, thanks to a Tomas Soucek goal.
The Czech midfielder has been out of form this season but got back on the score sheet on his birthday as the Hammers moved up to 5th in the Premier League.
It was the best team performance for sometime against a solid Wolves side. Here’s how the players rated.
West Ham beat Wolves 1-0 via a Tomas Soucek goal to keep their Champions League dreams alive.
Lukasz Fabianski – 7/10
The 36-year-old was dependable in goal but was not called upon too much in the game. He made just one save however claimed a number of crosses well. As usual with Fabianski his kicking could’ve been better to start counter attacks but overall a good performance.
Ben Johnson – 7/10
The versatile defender played at right-wing back as West Ham switched to a back five to match Wolves’ shape. He had a relatively quiet afternoon and was rarely tested but when he was, Johnson defended superbly. Additionally, the man on the verge of signing a new contract put in a couple of good crosses although the Hammers predominantly attacked down their left flank. With Vladimir Coufal out injured Johnson has a place in the side nailed if he keeps performing.
Craig Dawson – 7/10
The centre-back didn’t get amongst the goals this week but put in another trustworthy defensive display. Wolves striker Fabio Silva caused him few problems despite Bruno Lage’s men looking to use the young striker’s pace to get in behind West Ham’s back line.
Kurt Zouma – 9/10 – Man of the Match
It was another outstanding performance from Zouma and dare we say ever since the video of him abusing his cat emerged he has been exceptional. Commanding in the air, assured with the ball at his feet and putting in a number of blocks and tackles it was a faultless game from the Frenchman. West Ham look a considerably better side with him in it and he’s forming a good partnership with Dawson.
Aaron Cresswell – 7/10
Once again as West Ham used wing-backs, Cresswell played as a left centre-back in the back three/five and didn’t look out of place. He did still get forward at times getting the ‘pre-assist’ in the decisive goal.
Pablo Fornals – 8/10
Playing out of position as a left-wing back, Fornals was exceptional. He is known for his hard-work and as normal put everything into the game. He tracked back well to form the back five shape when out of position but still had the energy to get forward and the technical ability to create chances making a number of intelligent passes. This was highlighted by an underappreciated and smart back heel in the build-up to West Ham’s goal.