Gonzo hands out the marks
Areola:6 Not at fault for the opener. Was very lucky to have a goal against him chalked off for a non existent foul. Not much to do for the first 75 mins. Parried the ball into a dangerous area for Silkeborg’s second goal but made a crucial save in the 81st min.
Coufal:6 Willing running but crossing lacked accuracy. Crucial late tackle saved the 3 points.
Kehrer:6 Heavily involved in conceding the opener when he seemed confused who he should be marking. Got better.
Dawson:7 Great to see him back but looked uncomfortable as the central player in a back 3. Scored the Hammers third from a corner and grew into the game.
Cresswell:7 Looked comfortable and clearly used to playing within the system. assisted Dawson’s goal with a precise in swinging corner.
Emerson:6 Seemed to enjoy the role of left wing back and got forward with energy
Rice:7 Looked sharp and fit but lacked a proper midfield partner in the first half and was often left on his own.
Lanzini:7 Scored confidently from the penalty spot. Involved in quite a lot of our attacking play and looked to link up with Paqueta where possible. Missed a tackle to thwart a counter attack for the second goal.
Paqueta:6 Plenty of neat touches and seemed to enjoy linking with Lanzini and Cornet. Had us all worried when he remained on the floor following a robust challenge.Cornet:7 Given freedom to roam and support Scamacca. Won the penalty following an ill advised shove from a Silkeborg defender. Supplied the pass for West Ham’s second. Looked sharp and dangerous but tired late on. Too frequently caught offside
Scamacca: 8 Oddly seemed to be deployed deeper than Cornet and frequently wide left. Linked play well when he dropped deep and scored with a thunderous shot following a good interception from Cornet.
Benrahma:5 Replaced Paqueta and immediately up to the pace of the game and found space really well but wasted good attacking opportunities.
Soucek:6 On for Rice in the 61st min. Stayed in position and did a solid job breaking up play.
Bowen:4 On for Scamacca. Deployed on the left which allowed Cornet to remain in his original role. Squandered possession during a West Ham corner which left the makeshift defence of Lanzini & Coufal exposed.
Fornals: On for the last 5 mins for Cornet as Silkeborg pushed for the equaliser.
Coventry: Late sub for Lanzini
Very generous scores. Defence shocking.
Where was Downes tonight? Surely after his MOTM performance last week he would have played this evening, to keep momentum and increase his confidence. But he played no part what so ever. I can understand if this was a Premier League match but against SilkeBorg?Surely this was an opportunity for some continuity for a player to keep momentum. It doesn’t make sense. I am really questioning Moyes decision making and tactics. Moyes seems all over the place.
Lanzini was my MOM. An expertly taken penalty kick and busiest bee on the pitch last night – plus some outstanding linking with Paqueta that led to the corner from which Dawson scored. Dawson himself looked a little rusty in the first ten minutes or so which was understandable considering that this was his first start. West Ham lost their shape on the synthetic surface after 61 minutes when the first three subs were introduced. If Benrahma should’ve done a lot better, it was another sub, Bowen who lost possession outside Silkeborg’s penalty area which allowed the breakaway for their second goal, with Lanzini and Coufal left stranded in a two against three situation. On another day, Silkeborg might’ve scored again before the final whistle. As supporters, it’s probably best we forget this one and look forward to Everton on Sunday.