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Football London

Sport

Jonty Colman

West Ham player ratings as Tomas Soucek impresses but defenders struggle in Tottenham defeat

West Ham Tomas Soucek Tottenham Emerson Palmieri Emerson Royal EPL Tottenham Hotspur Harry Kane Jarrod Bowen Moyes

West Ham United remain in the Premier League's relegation zone after a 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Hotspur at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

Second half goals from Emerson Royal and Heung-Min Son sealed the win for Spurs, West Ham's first league defeat in four games.

Here is how football.london’s West Ham United writer Jonty Colman rated the Hammers’ players against Spurs.

Lukasz Fabianski

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was only beaten by a Thilo Kehrer own goal when these two sides last met in August at the London Stadium. Did well in the first half, meeting the little that troubled him, most notably a Pierre Emile-Hojbjerg shot from distance. Found himself in two one vs one situations in the second half, with Royal and Son scoring on both occasions, although poor defending was more to blame than his goalkeeping was. 6

Thilo Kehrer

German international Kehrer's last appearance led to him scoring for the only time in a West Ham shirt so far. Sadly, it was for Spurs, not the side he actually plays for. Fortunate to have not given away an early penalty for handball, but did make a few important first half interventions. Not his worst game, but will have been dissapointed to have let Ben Davies get between him and Vladimir Coufal to set up the opening goal. 6

Angelo Ogbonna

Italian centre-back Angelo Ogbonna's recent improved form was going to be needed to shackle Harry Kane's scoring prowess, with the England captain recently becoming Tottenham's all-time leading goalscorer. Had done well to keep Kane quiet early on, limiting his influence in the first half. However, his poor dealing of a header led to Kane teeing up Son to make it 2-0 and was taken off shortly after. 5

Nayef Aguerd

Having gone off in last weekend's draw with Chelsea with concerns over a groin injury, Moroccan Nayef Aguerd was deemed fit enough to keep his place in the starting line-up, on the left side of the back three. The best of West Ham's back three with a few big interceptions and headers away before half-time. Almost caught out by Dejan Kulusevski in the second half, which he had to chase back to deal with. Not as effective as he has been recently, but did well to play 90 minutes considering his groin injury eight days ago. 6

Vladimir Coufal

Since regaining his place in the side at Christmas, Vladimir Coufal has made the most of it and has looked in good touch of late, having a hand in Emerson Palmieri's equaliser against rivals Chelsea last weekend. Attempted to get West Ham forward as much as possible from the right flank but struggled to do so. Will have been very disappointed with the build up to the first goal for sure, as well as his crossing, which did not have the desired effect. 6

Tomas Soucek (Star man)

Czech Republic international Tomas Soucek was recalled to the side in the absence of Lucas Paqueta, playing as part of a central midfield trio. One of the best players on the pitch in the first half, creating chances, running everywhere and leading the rankings in tackles, interceptions and clearances. Less effective after the break, but one of a few who could come out with much credit. One of his best performances of the season. 7

Declan Rice

Declan Rice kept his record as one of only two West Ham players to start every game this season, despite a recent virus, playing alongside Soucek and Downes in the midfield three. A poorer performance for Rice, who was largely upstaged by Soucek in midfield. Better after the break, but caught in possession on occasion that almost led to a golden chance for Kulusevski. Battled and ran as he always does, but not the influence he would have aimed for. 6

Flynn Downes

With Lucas Paqueta absent for the fourth time in a Premier League match this season since making his full league debut, there was a fourth league start for Flynn Downes. Of those, three have been away, coming at Anfield, Old Trafford and now the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Did okay in more of an advanced role and put himself about well before the break. Much quieter after half-time, leading to him being taken off. 5

Emerson Palmieri

Emerson Palmieri was hoping to continue his recent form at left wing-back, with the Italian in a match-up with Brazilian Emerson Royal. Emerson will have been frustrated that his opposite got the opening goal, allowed way too much freedom to get into a centre forward's position. Failed to add much gusto with his attacks and was bought off late on. 5

Jarrod Bowen

In Jarrod Bowen's two previous appearances in London matches ahead of kick-off, Bowen had two goals and assist to his name. He almost added to that inside 60 seconds, flashing a volley from outside of the penalty area or just wide. West Ham's best attacker on the day, who despite little service remained direct and tried to make things happen. Forced the only important save out of Fraser Forster shortly after Emerson's opening goal. Went through the wars at times, it was needed, just not enough did the same. 7

Michail Antonio

Striker Michail Antonio kept his place in the side amid a recent run of improved form leading the line. In his last appearance against Tottenham, he provided an assist for Soucek's equaliser. Won a few fouls holding the ball up in the first half. Quiet in the second half though, booked for a tackle on Kane and escaped punishment for a late foul on Hojbjerg. Replaced shortly after. 5

Substitutes

Danny Ings

Striker Danny Ings has played just over or just under 20 minutes in every game for West Ham so far, and he got exactly that when replacing Antonio up front. Struggled to really get into the game. Had one chance when put through, but failed to keep hold of it. Did fire one shot off late on but it was blocked. 5

Said Benrahma

Algerian winger Said Benrahma lost his place in the starting side after a recent spell of form, but was one of the first two players bought on just after the 70 minute mark. Did well in possession at times, turning a free-kick wide and shooting wide after being teed up by Bowen. Did well to create a chance for Ings, but he lost control when it needed to be spot on. 6

Pablo Fornals

There was a run out of under ten minutes for Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals in the middle of midfield, trying to add more control in the game late on. N/A

Ben Johnson

The England Under-21s defender was brought on with just under ten minutes to go as Moyes looked to inject some pace into the back line, playing as a left-wing back in place of Emerson. N/A

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