West Ham final pre-season game came down to earth with a bump that they failed to win their own sponsor’s cup for the fourth time since its creation.
The Hammers were missing a number of first-team players but that did not excuse an embarrassing display against the Championship side who fully deserved the win.
This evening disappointed Claret and Hugh Associate Editor Sean Whetstone gives out the West Ham player ratings
David Martin Responsible for at least one goal, didn’t inspire any confidence so let’s hope he isn’t needed this season. 2
Ben Johnson Awful display by the youngster who had his worst start for Hammers, taken off after a yellow card 1
Ryan Fredericks Defence was woeful this afternoon and Fredericks did little to make things improve things after he replaced Johnson 3
Issa Diop A surprise addition after his calf injury but not back to his best form although did enough to stop a sixth Bournemouth goal 4
Angelo Ogbonna Guilty by association in a lacklustre defensive display today 3
Fabian Balbuena Came on just after the hour mark but made little difference 3
Aaron Cresswell Another poor defensive display, didn’t defend enough this afternoon 3
Jarrod Bowen Made two goals out of nothing just before half time to make it 2-2 and gave us a temporary glimpse of hope 7
Arthur Masuaku See comment on Cresswell, did nothing to steady the leaky display 3
Mark Noble Huffed and puffed and sprayed lots of balls around to little effect, a poor stand-in for Declan Rice 3
Jack Wilshere Came on just after the hour mark but was largely anonymous 3
Josh Cullen – made a difference
Manuel Lanzini Didn’t look bothered, didn’t look like he wanted to play before pulling up with a knock and replaced 2
Josh Cullen actually changed the game when he replaced Lanizini and we had our best period. He put in a good shift and tried 6
Pablo Fornals Put in the effort and was trying his best but with a poor team around him as his passes and moves came to nothing 5
Robert Snodgrass Good to see him back after a back injury and hard to judge on just 8 minutes. No rating
Michail Antonio It didn’t happen for Antonio today, he looked tired, he limped after a hockey type tackle but displayed his usual power and strength 5
Felipe Anderson Came on after the hour mark and scored a good goal against Bournemouth matching his feat of the whole of last season 5
Sebastian Haller Didn’t really break a sweat but equally didn’t get the service, had one good chance which he wasted 4
Xande Silva Good to see the youngster come on late despite the report he is likely to loan out. Saw too little of him No rating
Okay… it was a pre-season game, but that shouldn’t excuse a performance like that! Again, our defence is found wanting. I hope this game was just one of those games that just needed to get it out of the system. If not, we will be conceding goals for fun again this season. Something really has to be done to sort out our defence. I keep reading how good Diop and Ogbonna are, so why are we leaking so many goals? Oh well… I see another loooooong season of avoiding a relegation fight.
Fourth worst defence last season and with one week to the new one we have the same lot and no additions to the back 4.its impossible to fathom just whats going on and all very depressing.
Five goals against playing a related team? Unless we get some defenders in we are going to spend a season at the bottom searching for the proverbial paddle.
Weren’t we supposed to be reinforcing the defence before the start of the season?
Who is driving the bus?
I’m sorry but there is now clearly so vey wrong at the club. Watched most of the game today, Bournemouth were great, West Ham were absolute s**t. Couldn’t help but notice that Nobes) stayed on the pitch when it was a first half drinks break (at 2-0 down), whereas other players went towards Moyes. Not a dicky bird from Moyes post match. I used to live in Birmingham with my Uncle years ago and he warned me about how G&S destroyed Birmingham City football club Every other club in the Prem can buy players without having to sell, but boohoo, G&S are affected by COVID-19 whereas other owners aren’t. We’re now making a pathetic bid for a central defender that won’t be accepted. Some owners who give a s*** will probably offer a few million more will get said player WHUFC will just be left with the same excuses (we tried but it never happened). As for Rice playing a full 90 minutes for England despite not being in a single pre season squad. This speaks volume. Thanks Declan. All the best at Chelsea thanks to our W**K owners
I’m also hoping that was just a game we needed to get out our system. It’s clear the players have been affected by the sale of Diang, and I sincerely hope the owners and management team get around these players and bring them back onboard before we start sinking in the EPL. Sounds dramatic I know, but it desn’t matter how good a player is, if he has lost interest and motivation then he will not perform. I expect DM and Co to be getting in every player’s face and telling them they need to man up. I expect the players to start earning their salaries and realise how lucky they are to be in the life style situation they are in, I expect the owners to release a proper statement of unity and I expect the club to have more respect for its fans. This week will be one of the most important weeks for the club – they must unite and there is no excuse for failure this season.
On that performance any neutral supporters would have believed West Ham were the relagated team and Bournemouth were the premier league team still. Beginning to think maybe it would have been better that way round ? probably would have been the kick up the arse this club needs because in my view nothings changed except for the squad being 3 players gone or sold off ? It doesn’t bode well for me IMHO