Hits and misses – Christmas Day Irons ratings

It’s been a surprising and very pleasing start to the season from a newly determined Hammers squad under David Moyes and here Hughie give his Christmas Day ratings on the lads so far

Fabianski: One of the best signings of recent years at £7 million and a rock at the back as the Hammers have tightened up considerably. 7 

Couval: At £5 million and a bit another amazing signing of the Moyes era. Can’t find a bad word to say about the fella 8+

Fredericks: Regular injuries ensured the Hammers had to look elsewhere and he has become a major absentee, given Coufal’s form, as a result. Just four appearances and looking one for the exit door if offers come in 4

Johnson: A guy  who has been described as one for the future for a long time- but likely to become permanent back up to Coufal – done nothing wrong in his three appearances 6

Diop:  Just four games at PL level and and a covid victim who has suffered since so sitting on the fence and giving the out of ten average 5 

Balbuena: Ten out of ten for determination and willingness to come back from what many thought was the transfer brink. Been excellent over recent games. Top first part of season 7+

Ogbonna: Outstanding as the marshal at the back. He will be right up there in the reckoning when Hammer of Year votes are counted 8

Cresswell: Realy found his form in five at the back set-up but probably not so good with the Masuaku injury problem having formed a great relationship with the guy 7

Masuaku: Let’s not call it a masterstroke because it was obvious to many that the manager had performed the obvious in making him an out and out left sided midfielder – looked a different player for the most part since 7

Snodgrass: Three brief PL appearances amid the usual chat that his legs have gone. Personally believe he still has something to offer. No rating

Lanzini: Surprised me to see he has appeared six times in PL  and looked to be returning to some genuine form before developing a tight hamstring 5+

Noble: Until Palace he had become a fringe figure but over a busy period we are likely to see a bit of him with a small squad. Just ok on reappearance. Hard to see how he will improve things at this stage of his career but he remains a very great Hammer 4+

Fornals: Has become a regular under Moyes but guilty of far too many missed scoring chances and although he has energy and determination in spades the end produce remains seriously missing 5

Soucek: Sensational signing and with Rice the heartbeat of our squad. He wears me out watching him and scorer of valuable goals 8+

Rice: Huge season for Dec having taken the armband totally in his stride as he has done most things throughout  his amazing career with us so far. Once again he’s shown immaculate form 9

Bowen: Nothing but admiration for a guy who came from an ultimately relegated Hull City to mix it successfully in the “world’s best league.” Well done young man 8+ 

Yarmolenko: Little chance to show us much this season and another who could be on his way should the offers appear 4+

Benrahma: Early days but plenty of promise which includes a couple of assists. Obviously the best is yet to come 6+

Haller: It’s all been said really and it honestly  doesn’t look as if it’s going to work for the fella. A couple of great goals of course but he’s not really a Moyes player and far too easily bullied by defenders 4+

Antonio: Amazing stuff before injury with a spectacular goal in particular against Manchester City. Huge player, great Hammer and really badly missed since injury.  Needs to be carefully nursed given hamstrings but one of the best strikers in league when 100pc. 8+