CandH’s regular ratings man Niall McDonald hands out his Hammers verdicts
Fabianski: Saved their only shot on our goal comfortably 6
Fredericks: Was having a really good game before injury, hopefully not serious 7
Ogbonna: Looking better with each game 8
Balbuena: Slotted in to the back three 6+
Cresswell: Another strong performance 7
Masuaku: Brilliant wing-back play going forward and marshalled Traore in defence 9
Rice: Was everywhere, snuffing out Wolves attacks and kick-starting ours 8
Soucek: Outstanding again – could have scored 3, unfortunate the one that went in went down as an og 8
Fornals: Never stopped running, harrying and straining to do his absolute best. One moment of quality led to the 2nd 7
Bowen: A beautiful opener and vital second 8
Antonio: Tremendous hold up play and running in behind. A constant threat 9
Subs
Johnson: Well done young man. Came on at a critical moment and acquitted himself very well 7
Haller: A nonchalant header for the 4th in stoppage time No rating
Noble: On late to see out the win No rating
If you’re going to give Johnson a 7 for his bit part at the end of the game then youve got to give Balbuena and fornals a 7 at least. I lost count of the amount of successful tackles and clearances from Balbuena, and Fornals was key in at least two of the goals and created several goal scoring opportunities as well as tracking back.
I agree with the guy above, Balbuena didn’t deserve below a 7, and to score lower than Johnson doesn’t make any sense.
Fornals contribution has been under rated by both of you – glad that Moyes seems to get his value. The guy links things so well, works so hard and often makes passes that others don’t see – you haven’t credited him with that quick bit of thinking for the first goal – a quick free quick that could have come straight outta the Johnny Lyall handbook.
I totally agree with your Masuaku assessment He was simply top class all game with one minor defensive problem late on.
Balbuena at least a 7