This Monday past, the Hammers travelled up North to St James’ Park to face a tough challenge in Newcastle United.
Silencing many of the doubters and critics, who had cancelled West Ham out in amidst of Julen Lopetegui’s potential sacking, the Hammers dominated away from home, winning 0-2.
Goals from both fan favourite Tomas Soucek and newcomer Aaron Wan-Bissaka, the Claret and Blue army celebrated in pandemonium up above the clouds in the away end.
Travelling back to London with all three points, this is how every West Ham player involved faired on the pitch.
West Ham Ratings:
Lukasz Fabianski - 7
Making only his seventh start for the Hammers in between the sticks this season, the 39 year old has yet again proven that age i just a number in football.
Let off the hook early on in the first half, after Alexander Isak’s goal was ruled out for offside, the Polish keeper put in yet another top performance in a West Ham shirt.
Looking shaky at times whilst playing with the ball at his feet, Fabianski kept his second consecutive clean sheet this season, denying Newcastle their ‘expected goal at home’.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka - 9 - MOTM
Arguably West Ham’s best transfer this summer, the ‘birthday boy’ was setting the pitch alight for the Hammers.
Denying Joe Willock from scoring in the first half, Wan-Bissaka continued to show consistency in his play - defending brilliantly and pushing up the pitch when needed.
Additionally to his superb defending, ‘the spider’ finally got his awaited birthday present, striking the ball past Nick-Pope and off the post into the back of the net to give the Hammers a two-goal advantage - only Wan-Bissaka’s third Premier League goal of his career and his first in claret and blue.
Definitely a night to remember for the former United man.
Only participating for 55 minutes before being substituted due to a potential knock, the Frenchman put in another solid shift for Lopetegui’s side.
Despite producing a silly error which nearly led to Anthony Gordon writing his name on the scoresheet, Todibo should have left the pitch satisfied with his performance.
Max Kilman - 8
Similar to his defensive partner Todibo, Kilman yet again put in another solid performance for the Hammers, denying the Newcastle forwards and keeping Isak quiet for 90 minutes.
Showing off his technical ability with the ball at his feet, the Englishman dibbled his way out of tough situations and continued to live up to his rather expensive price tag - one of which many football fans frowned upon.
Emerson - 7
Underperforming as of late, the Italian did very well to keep both Joelinton and Harvey Barnes quiet - both very difficult opponents to face.
Providing the assist for Tomás Soucek’s opener, and linking up well with Dutch no7 Crysencio Summerville, Emerson certainly looked back to his best!
Carlos Soler - 7
Replacing the suspended Edson Alvarez in midfield, Carlos Soler finally proved himself to the many Hammers fans who have recently questioned his worth in Lopetegui’s squad.
Linking up well with Paqueta and evoking a sense energy through a recently lacklustre West Ham midfield, Soler even had a few missed opportunities which blazed over the bar.
Compared to the slow pace of Guido Rodriguez, Soler definitely has both the ability and pace to improve Lopetegui’s struggles in midfield, with chance looking more likely to come his way after that fine performance.
Tomas Soucek - 8
Scoring West Ham’s opener and first corner of the season, the Czech yet again played with passion and desire, adored by many West Ham fans.
Also linking up well with both Paqueta and Soler, it is beginning to become more apparent regarding how Soucek has improved his game this season - completing more accurate passes and defending superbly at times.
An outstanding performance from the Czech.
Lucas Paqueta - 8
Criticised by many this season due to his laziness and lack of commitment in midfield, the Brazilian seemed back to his best for the first time in a long time.
Involved in the progress of play towards Wan-Bissaka’s goal, the Hammers no10 adapted well to being played as an 8 - something which Paqueta has not done consistently for West Ham.
Awarded with the Premier League Man Of The Match award after the final whistle, hopefully this can be the beginning of better things from West Ham’s ‘Brazilian magnifico’.
Named in the starting line-up yet again due to Kudus’ suspension, the ex-Leeds star produced very little during his time on the pitch.
Looked very lively in the first half, but didn’t receive the ball enough in the second to produce any of his familiar magic.
Jarrod Bowen - 8
Leading his side out of the tunnel once again, Bowen put in a ‘proper’ Skipper performance for the Irons.
Doing well against a formidable opponent in Lewis Hall, Bowen had a key role in the creation of the Hammers second, skimming the ball through the legs of Sean Longsaff, to the feet of Wan-Bissaka, assisting the no29’s first goal for the Hammers.
Producing many silky nutmegs throughout the 90, many fans of both parties must’ve questioned whether Bowen was born in Leominster or the Favelas!
Michail Antonio - 7
Formidable upfront yet again for the Hammers, the Jamaican was a constant brute force against a tough Geordies defence.
Bullying many of the ball and hoofing it up the pitch at times, the no9 was not afraid to get stuck in - leaving the pitch a warrior with a ripped shirt.
Substitutes
Replacing the injured Todibo in the 55th minute, the Greek was also quick to get involved in the action.
Fortunate not to have given away a penalty early on during his substitution - when mounting Callum Wilson rather foolishly in the box - Mavro also seemed back to his best against a threatening Newcastle front three.
Vladimir Coufal - 6
Came on in the 74th minute for Emerson, looked sharp as always.
Danny Ings - 5
Replacing a knackered Antonio, Ings linked up well with Bowen at times and even came close to scoring - striking his shot directly into Pope’s chest.
Andy Irving - N/A
Guido Rodriguez - N/A
