PlayerWatch reporter Danny Leach put our imposing and highly rated centre back Issa Diop under the spotlight today against the Cherries after a developing a strong partnership at the back with Ogbonna. He also took a look at Manu Lanzini who returned for a 23 minute sub appearance after his recent injury.
DIOP
l
13 – Puts in a clean sliding tackle on Joshua King as he chases a through ball
18 – GOAL – 1-1 – King equalizes after his goal is awarded by VAR for being incorrectly ruled out offside. The hammers defence leave him completely unmarked as he finishes from 5 yards out as Ake knocks the ball down to him
37 – Clears the ball away with his head but the ball is not hit cleanly and possession returns to Bournemouth
44 – Tackles the ball out for a throw before Solanke can fully control the ball
52 – Ditto above but on Callum Wilson
55 – Hoofs the ball out to row Z as a ball bounces towards our penalty box
76 – Wins a 50/50 with Solanke in the box to rid the ball away from danger
Substitute special: Manuel Lanzini
66 – Enters for Fornals
67 – Fends the ball off well from 2-3 opposition players before laying the ball to Anderson on the edge of the box who’s shot goes over
77 – Plays some beautiful one touch football as he interchanges the ball with Anderson and Cresswell
78 – His shot is blocked in the box as Fredericks squares the ball to him
83 – Crosses the ball to the far post but no one is there to meet it
89 – Intercepts a heavy touch forward from Solanke in midfield before driving forward and laying the ball off to Haller
Issa Diop – The verdict – 7.5 – It was another fine display from our young battler who is continuing to flourish this season as he develops an ever stronger partnership with Ogbonna. In today’s match he was excellent at reading the game and giving the Bournemouth players little time on the ball as he consistently took the ball off Bournemouth players. His strong physique made it very difficult for Bournemouth players to play against him. The defence as a whole should take collective responsibility for the two goals conceded.
Manuel Lanzini – The verdict – 7.5 – It was breath of fresh air to see Lanzini come on for the last 23 minutes and immediately make an impact on our attacking play. He wasted no time in slotting straight back into the Hammers offensive line, linking up very well with Anderson, Haller, Yarmolenko and Cresswell in particular. He was also unfortunate not to get a goal or an assist as the Hammers looked to swing the result back in their favour.
