By Kris Gonzo | Senior West Ham Columnist (Follow on X)
West Ham were held to a 1-1 draw by QPR at the London Stadium after another performance in which Nuno Espírito Santo’s team struggled to get going. The Hammers were desperately poor in the first half, lacking creativity, midfield control and any real attacking threat against a well-organised Rangers side.
The visitors took the lead through a controversial penalty, although West Ham’s own sloppy play had contributed to the situation. It was a dreadful decision from referee Ruebyn Ricardo, who compounded matters by booking those who protested.
Once again, Nuno’s substitutions made the difference. West Ham finally began playing on the front foot, Jarrod Bowen equalised and the captain then had the chance to win it from the penalty spot. Unfortunately, QPR goalkeeper Joe Charles had other ideas.
West Ham player ratings v QPR
Mads Hermansen – 5
Had very little to do throughout the game. Made a decent save from Kolli following a QPR counter-attack and was alert enough to prevent Morato’s dreadful back-pass from causing problems early in the second half. Remained rooted to the spot for Madsen’s penalty, but there was little else to judge him on.
Kyle Walker-Peters – 4
Struggled to form any meaningful attacking partnership with Bowen down the right. The contrast with Morato and Solomon on the opposite flank was noticeable, with West Ham offering very little threat from his side. Replaced at half-time as Nuno changed formation.
Konstantinos Mavropanos – 6
A familiar mixture of excellent defending and dreadful passing. Made an important early interception before immediately giving possession away and continued that pattern throughout the first half.
Made an excellent tackle on Smith after 54 minutes, almost identical to the challenge for which Souček had conceded a penalty. Also showed his willingness to carry the ball forward, something West Ham desperately needed when the midfield wasn’t functioning. The more robust of our two central defenders, although Kilman was considerably safer in possession.
Max Kilman – 6
Another steady performance from Kilman, who was comfortably the quieter of West Ham’s two centre-backs. Read the game well, including an important interception after 12 minutes, and rarely looked troubled defensively.
One particularly good dribble from defence into midfield demonstrated his technical ability. A far more reliable passer than Mavropanos, even if he doesn’t offer quite the same physical presence.
Morato – 6
One of West Ham’s better attacking outlets during the opening half, which tells you something about how badly the midfield and forwards were struggling.
Played an excellent ball over the top for Solomon and followed it with another impressive dribble and pass that should have sent the winger through on goal. His crossing also produced West Ham’s first corner.
Almost immediately gifted QPR a goal with a dreadful back-pass after half-time, but overall his contribution going forward was one of the few positives.
Arne Engels – 4
Couldn’t get hold of the midfield or influence proceedings in the way we’ve become accustomed to seeing. West Ham were desperately short of creativity and control, and Engels was part of that problem.
Picked up a booking for protesting the referee’s dreadful penalty decision. An unusually ineffective performance. Hit the bar at the end of the game.
Tomáš Souček – 3
Way off the pace throughout the opening 45 minutes. His sloppy pass created the situation that led to QPR’s penalty, although the tackle he made to recover was exquisitely timed and never a foul in my opinion.
Ironically, that challenge might have been the most technically proficient thing he did all half. Struggled to influence the midfield and was withdrawn at the interval.
Divine Mukasa – 4
Like Engels, struggled to get on the ball and make anything happen. West Ham had almost no midfield control, which made it difficult for Mukasa to influence the attack.
Unable to provide the creativity we needed against a well-organised QPR side. Replaced by Lewis Orford in the second half.
Jarrod Bowen – 6
A frustrating evening for the West Ham captain, who struggled badly during the opening half against Kemper. Too many hopeful flicks and passes went nowhere near Castellanos, although he did almost produce a spectacular scissor-kick after 14 minutes.
Looked like a completely different player following the second round of substitutions. His determination helped get West Ham playing on the front foot, and he finished well to equalise after his initial effort rebounded back to him.
Forced another save from Charles late on before having the opportunity to win the match from the penalty spot. Unfortunately, Charles produced an excellent save, with the rebound striking the crossbar. Bowen will be disappointed he didn’t do better.
Bowen scored but should have had 2
Manor Solomon – 6
West Ham’s most likely attacking threat for much of the game. Produced some excellent dribbling and was involved in almost everything worthwhile during the opening half, particularly when combining with Morato.
Moved into the number ten position following Nuno’s half-time changes and continued looking dangerous, although the team still struggled to create clear chances. Replaced by Piroe in the second half.
Taty Castellanos – 5
I had some sympathy for Taty during the first half because he was completely isolated. Barely saw the ball and eventually attempted a desperate shot after 27 minutes, which was understandable given how little service he’d received.
Became much more involved following the changes in formation and particularly after Piroe came on. It must leave Nuno wondering what might have happened had we managed to get the two combining earlier.
Substitutes
Pablo – 6
Brought some much-needed energy and determination to the midfield. Immediately started winning tackles and getting involved, although his tendency to try to dribble out of trouble when a simple pass would be better remains frustrating.
Won West Ham’s late penalty after being pulled down while attacking Bowen’s deep cross. A useful contribution from a player who certainly didn’t lack effort.
Edvin Austbø – 5
Introduced at half-time as an advanced left wing-back, allowing Solomon to move inside. Offered some direct running and dribbling, although his shot after 84 minutes was tame.
Did reasonably well without making a particularly significant impact.
Joel Piroe – 7
Made a real difference after coming on. His involvement in the build-up to Bowen’s equaliser helped West Ham finally find some attacking rhythm.
Immediately followed the goal with a shot that forced Charles into a save and won West Ham another corner. Suddenly the Hammers were playing on the front foot, with Piroe linking up well with Castellanos and Bowen. Our most influential attacking substitute.
Lewis Orford – 6
Brought some much-needed energy to the midfield and was involved in an important double challenge alongside Bowen that helped turn the momentum in West Ham’s favour.
His introduction coincided with the Hammers finally taking control of the game and looking capable of hurting QPR.