West Ham all but confirmed their Premier League status with a 1-0 win over Manchester United.
Said Benrahma netted the only goal of the game after David De Gea let his tame shot trickle into the back of the net. But the Hammers deserved their fortune and were the better side, having two goals unluckily ruled out and were seemingly denied a clear penalty.
Several West Ham stars were fantastic such as Thilo Kehrer and Lucas Paqueta – here is how the whole team rated.
An inspired Lucas Paqueta and Thilo Kehrer fired West Ham to a huge victory over Manchester United.
Lukasz Fabianski – 7
He was protected well by his defence but made a couple of good saves towards the end of the game from Marcus Rashford and Anthony Martial as United pushed for the equaliser. Solid and dependable from Fabianski.
Thilo Kehrer – 9
The German has had a tough first year at West Ham, with some great displays littered with shocking errors but this was his best performance in claret and blue so far. Rashford is one of the best in the Prem but Kehrer pocketed him with his aggressive and proactive style. A few crunching tackles got fans cheering and he was disciplined throughout knowing when to dive in. He was also fantastic on the ball, helping David Moyes‘ side move the ball out from the back brilliantly. Kehrer also pumped up the fans towards the end of the match and he could be key if Vladimir Coufal remains injured for the rest of the season.
Nayef Aguerd – 8
Fantastic performance from Aguerd despite the left-footer playing on the right-hand side of defence with Kurt Zouma out. Passed through the thirds exceptionally to get West Ham’s attackers on the ball and organised a solid defence unit that kept a clean sheet.
Angelo Ogbonna – 7
A few massive headers to clear danger throughout the clash. Experience showed.
Aaron Cresswell – 8
The left-back has played well since coming back into the side for Emerson. Another whose experience showed.
Declan Rice – 8
He is so good. Rice is world-class and his performances at this level is now normal. Ran rings quality midfielders like Christian Eriksen, Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes. Was a complete midfield and captain‘s performance. On and off the ball exceptional. A nice touch with a young fan after the game has gone viral.
Tomas Soucek – 7
His strengths are fantastic, his weaknesses are dire. But everything was in line with his talents versus Man Utd. Not used in the build-up, instead broke up the game and was a threat in both boxes. Physical performance, complementing Rice and Paqueta well. Soucek battled on after a blow to the head – he is made of steel!
Lucas Paqueta – 9
Unplayable. The Brazilian in him is shining. He got stuck in, created chances, got fans off their seats with his skill and was unlucky not to grab and goal or assist. It’s taken Paqueta a while to settle in, but he is now showing all his class and forming partnerships with his team-mates that helps West Ham progress the ball and link with his flicks and tricks.
Jarrod Bowen – 6
A bit quiet. Not his best display but did not do anything wrong. A firing Bowen is key to Conference League success.
Said Benrahma – 7
Lucky with the goal and occasionally switched off defensively when tracking Antony. However, his technical skill was on show and was a threat throughout the game with his dribbling.
Michail Antonio – 8
Fantastic since coming back into the starting XI. Bullied Lindelof and Luke Shaw. Held the ball up when needed and run in behind multiple times. Exactly what Moyes wants from his West Ham striker. Was unlucky his goal was chalked off. Proving the club right to not sell him in January to Wolves.