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.
Declan Rice – 8/10
Typical Declan Rice. He won the ball back countless times and was a driving force in the midfield. He was incredibly unfortunate not to get an attacking return hitting the post with a fantastic long range shot with Wolves keeper Jose Sa beaten. Sky Sports pundit Graeme Souness criticised him saying he doesn’t score enough goals. It’s an area Rice is trying to improve but he is still one of the best midfielders in the world.
Tomas Soucek – 7/10
Dedicating his winning goal to his grandfather, watching him play at the London Stadium in the flesh for the first time, Soucek was much better compared to recent games. He protected the defence well alongside Rice and seemed to get forward more than previously this season. He got his goal due to clever movement a striker would’ve been proud of and was there for an easy tap in.
Manuel Lanzini – 8/10
The Argentine was fantastic in the midfield yet again. His presence is missed when he isn’t in the side. Lanzini kept the midfield ticking and Wolves couldn’t get the ball off him.
Jarrod Bowen – 6/10
As always, Bowen worked hard off the ball as Moyes set up West Ham in more of a pressing system and he was a threat in the attacking third with his pace. However, his final ball wasn’t as good as his high standards have set. He also missed a one versus one, Bowen will be disappointed he didn’t make it 2-0.
Michail Antonio – 8/10
That was more like the Antonio seen in the early stages of the season. He put himself about a lot more and his balance of strength and pace caused Max Kilman and Conor Coady a lot of issues. He ran his socks off as West Ham pressed and got in behind the Wolves defence a few time. A lot sharper from the striker.
David Moyes – 8/10
His decision to change formation and press higher worked. Antonio needed to be subbed off earlier as he was clearly tiring but he set up the side well.
Subs Nikola Vlasic and Issa Diop didn’t play long enough for a rating.