Ok we are almost a third of the way through a season which has seen Pellegrini’s Hammers display their best and worst. Individually it’s been a mixed bag and as the THIRD international break comes to an end Hugh hands out his ratings on the lads so far.
Fabianski: Superb signing, fans favourite and a very humble guy into the bargain. Some fantastic saves and a great presence when coming off his line 8
Adrian: Seen so little of him but what we have shows that he is definitely very much No 2 and not overly impressive on his three League Cup appearances although hardly fair to assess him at all against Macclesfield 4
Zabaleta: Love the man and although his retirement seems inevitable it’s a real shame because he has played out of his skin and brings so much solidity and experience 7
Fredericks: Sadly, injured and out probably until February but that he’s playing second fiddle to Zaba at 33 says quite a lot. 3
Diop: All that needs to be said probably has been. An extraordinary central dfender who has it in him to become one of our great defenders 7
Balbuena: Like his defensive partner, an understandably uncertain start but has produced some brilliant performances over the last few games 7
Ogbonna: There always seems to be a mistake in Oggy and there seems no way back but for injury or suspension to the big two 4
Masuaku: Defended poorly when it’s been required and no end product to his runs down the wing. Very disappointing 3
Cresswell: This is not the same player of a couple of years ago. It maybe time to wave goodbye and easy to understand why Husillos is on a scouting mission to find the right player for this position 3
Noble: Stand out game against United, miserable sending off at Leicester and a mix of good, bad and indifferent in between. That’s our skipper 5
Rice: Quite magnificent and a tribute to the academy system. A monster player, leading contender for Hammer of the Yea and for God’s sake board can we get the contract done …like YESTERDAY! 9
Obiang: Just okay with the odd bad one thrown in – we need much better in the middle of the park 4
Snodgrass: What you see is what you get – wholehearted effort and a 100 per cent shift every time. He’s winning – or has won – many over 7
Anderson: Incredibly exciting at his best -abysmal at his worst but the improvement as he adjusts is clear to most 6
Wilshere: Obviously carrying some sort of issue early on before going into hospital. Judgement reserved. No rating.
Antonio: Like Cresswell his best appears to behind him. He still has time to prove us all wrong but it may it’s running out fast 4
Diangana: He appeared out of left field with nobody knowing anything about him and was an instant hit. Hugely exciting talent 7
Arnautovic: Outstanding AGAIN. Always mobile, always giving the last drop and scoring goal – remains the team’s talisman 9
Hernandez: What with no pre-season and then struck with a virus he’s had a tough time but signs are appearing that he may be getting on the case again 5
Yarmolenko: Looked good when he arrived in the team but that was followed by some sub standard shows and of course a devastating injury. Jury out 6
Perez: Very hard to make any sort of assessment on a handful of cameo appearances . No rating.
Harsh on masuaku, it’s just his defensive duties sometimes leaves you scratching your head like his positioning at times. He carrys the ball and distributes the ball well from defence. Trying to think of a more skillfull left back in the league? If he can sort his defensive brain out and be more consistent defensively he would be class.
Agree 100%