Happy Hammers Stumble Past Saints

Christmas is off to a good start for the Hammers as we picked up all three points away to lowly Southampton. However, it was another lukewarm performance with little evidence of a new system at play. With Liverpool and a wounded City up next, we needed to grab the points today and ultimately must respect the win. We are only 6 points off the Eurozone but really do not look like a top half side as Southampton were pretty toothless and a better side would surely have punished a generally lacklustre showing from J-Lo’s troops. 

West Ham Player ratings:

Lukasz Fabianski – 8/10: Fab’s career looked almost over when Areola took over the starting berth but he has battled back to remind us just how capable he is. He pulled off one excellent strike and then was the victim of a nasty collision in which he sustained a head injury. Areola is an able deputy and was solid albeit with very little to do as the Saints huffed and puffed and fizzled out.

Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 8/10: West Ham pulled off a real coup in bringing Wan Bissaka in from Man United and once again he was an energetic force throughout. He has been our best defensive performer this season and looks happy in his role. 

Konstantinos Mavropanos – 7/10: A solid showing from the big Greek. His physical strength was a real asset in keeping a lid on the supersized Onuachu in attack for Southampton. 

Max Kilman – 7/10: Along with Wan Bissaka he has been one of the Hammers’ best players this season. Taken off after sustaining a shoulder injury if he is out for Liverpool and City we are in big trouble. Todibo came on and played solidly and seems to be uo to the pace of the Premiership at last. 

Emerson Palmieri – 6/10: Emerson has a quiet day with only a few of his trademark forays forwards- possibly because Kudus looked well off form.

Guido Rodriguez – 4/10: Rodriguez really doesn’t look up to the Premiership - slow about the pitch and ponderous in possession, he is like another Soucek but without the aerial impact and goalscoring touch. Substituted with 25 minutes to go as he looked a bit lost and was on a yellow card. Almost sent off in a bizarre but correctly overturned red after a clumsy ‘coming together’ with Walker-Peters but in reality he had added very little. 

Tomas Soucek – 7/10: His usual go-to presence for headers and committed if clumsy around midfield. Also helped set up Bowen’s goal. 

Carlos Soler – 5/10: Soler has been playing well in recent games but struggled to make an impact today in a scrappy affair. Subbed at half time for Alvarez who was more involved as the Hamners tried to control the game in the second half.

Mohammed Kudus – 3/10: Possibly his least impressive performance for the Hammers. Looked off the pace and kept passing the ball backwards rather than doing what he is best at - taking on defenders. 

Jarrod Bowen – 8/10: Not at his best but clinical when it mattered with the crucial goal. A captain’s performance. 

Niclas Fullkrug – 5/10: Fullkrug is struggling to fit into J-Lo’s system but after such a long absence we need to be patient if we are to see what the experienced German can deliver. 

So, we are now in 13th, a point above Man Utd and level with Spurs. We need to bring in a high energy midfielder in January but sadly they are in short supply at that time of year.

COYI!