West Ham United player ratings v Fulham – Kudus stuns but 2/10 loses possession 22 times
West Ham United suffered a major blow to their European qualification hopes after they lost 2-0 to Fulham on Sunday afternoon (14 April).
David Moyes’ went 1-0 down in the ninth minute after Konstantinos Mavropanos’ error led to Andreas Pereira slotting home the opener.
After a high-octane first half, neither side managed to create many chances in the second 45, except Pereira’s doubler in the 72nd minute, and the travelling Cottagers secured all three points.
Football Insider has analysed the West Ham United starting line-up’s performance against Marco Silva’s side.
Lukasz Fabianski [8]
Very little the former Poland international could do about the Cottagers’ opener, but he kept his side in the game on multiple occasions, including a fingertip save in the 57th minute from an Alex Iwobi strike. Crucial.
Vladimir Coufal [5]
While Mavropanos will get the brunt of the blame for the opener, Coufal’s lack of action made it much easier for Fulham. His final ball into the box was lacklustre and he managed just 52 touches, failed to make an accurate cross and had no key passes.
Konstantinos Mavropanos [4]
Was largely at fault for Fulham’s opener after his heavy touch gave possession to the in-coming Pereira. Otherwise, he managed to keep Silva’s side at bay before he was taken off for Kurt Zouma after he picked up a knock. He was composed outside his mistake having earned 90 per cent pass accuracy and two clearances, but his error proved very costly.
Nayef Aguerd [4]
Often failed to track his runners which gave the West Londoners plenty of opportunities. Aguerd also looked suspect for Pereira’s second goal as he failed to keep tight to the former Man United ace. He had a few bright moments with some crunching challenges, but with just two tackles and two successful ground duels, he needed to do more.
Emerson Palmieri [6]
Had minimal opportunities to have a stamp on the game but was effective when needed. He added width when called upon and with 86 per cent pass accuracy, one key pass and three tackles, he had a decent, if mostly forgettable, display.
Edson Alvarez [4]
Played in a higher position than normal – and the Irons paid. His positioning was clearly a tactical choice by Moyes, but it did not prove fruitful as he struggled to make an impact on the clash. He made no vital errors but is just not an attacking threat.
James Ward-Prowse [4]
Fulham breezed past the Hammers’ midfield far too often, and Ward-Prowse’s lack of aggression was a major factor in the Cottagers’ dominance. His passing left a lot to be desired and outside his excellent set-piece play, he offered very little. He managed 93 per cent pass accuracy and 2 accurate long balls but was not in possession enough to make a real impact. Stunted.
Mohammed Kudus [8]
Dynamic as always but was frequently let down by the frontline’s lack of potency in front of goal. His typical skill and exceptional ball progression were on show and secured two key passes, 10 successful ground duels, six successful dribbles and four attempted shots. Only the killer shot or moment of brilliance was lacking.
Danny Ings [3]
The Englishman was given a rare starting opportunity, but he did not deliver. The striker’s deeper role limited his ability to score and he did not thrive in a more creative role. Even when he moved up top, he did nothing. With just one shot on target, 19 passes and a 33 per cent ground duel success rate, Ings may well be back on the bench soon.
Lucas Paqueta [2]
Non-existent. The Brazilian had a really hard time showing his creativity against the steadfast Cottagers. A few decent moments of magic did little to save from his dreadful outing. Managed just two accurate crosses, created one big chance, had one shot on target out of three attempts and lost possession a staggering 22 times.
Michail Antonio [5]
Missed a golden opportunity to give his side the lead before Fulham’s and opted not to pass to the in-coming Coufal. After the miss, he may as well have been on the bench. Antonio secured just one successful dribble, one shot and 18 accurate passes. Unimpactful.
In other news, West Ham told £60million+ midfielder bid will “likely be accepted”.
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