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Jonty Colman

West Ham player ratings: Declan Rice stars as Hammers throw away first leg lead against Gent

West Ham United were held to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final clash against Belgian side Gent.

Danny Ings' goal on the stroke of half-time gave the Hammers a lead going into the break at the Ghelamco Arena, only for Hugo Cuypers to level in the second half, leaving the scores level going into the second leg next week.

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

READ MORE: What Vladimir Coufal told West Ham team-mates about Europa Conference League final

Alphonse Areola

French goalkeeper Alphonse Areola kept up his perfect record in Europe for starts this season, making his 11th in the Europa Conference League, one of two West Ham players to do so. Had very little to do in the first half and while Areola did produce two stops before the interval, they were both very routine saves to make. First chance of note he really had to deal with was that of Cuypers, whose shot was too hot to handle. Almost beaten a second time when Orban's bicycle kick hit the crossbar. Did not do much wrong, but did not do much of note either. 6

Ben Johnson

More often used as a right-back or a right wing-back, Ben Johnson found himself back in the team, but used on the right side of a centre-back trio. A very mixed showing for Johnson, who made several key defensive clearances and blocks in the first half to prevent Gent from scoring before half-time. Looked more vulnerable when Gent broke forward more often in the second half and was beaten by Cuypers prior to his shot, although all of West Ham's back line did not come out of the goal with much credit. Gift Orban caused him problems in the second half. 5

Angelo Ogbonna

Having returned to the Premier League team and put in a stellar showing during the 1-0 win over Fulham, Ogbonna was one of five players to keep their place from that win, anchoring the back three. The centre-back led the line well in the first half and made some big headers and clearances. Got himself booked in the first half for a foul on Orban which led to him picking up a ban for next week's second leg. Saw the ball passed through his legs in the build-up to Cuypers' equaliser, although he did fight back to cut out a couple of chances from Gent late on. 6

Nayef Aguerd

Moroccan Nayef Aguerd was among those to lose his place in the side at Fulham, but was recalled for the Europa Conference League clash, having got to the last 16 stage with Stade Rennais last season before getting knocked out by Leicester City. More comfortable in possession than his last outing against Newcastle United, although much of West Ham's clearances came via Ogbonna and Johnson. Thought he opened the scoring when pouncing on a fumble from Davy Roef at a corner, scoring before a VAR check overruled it for a handball from Aguerd to turn it in. Beaten far too easily by Orban in the build-up to the equaliser. Did make some needed recovery runs, but still not his best showing. 6

Vladimir Coufal

Right-back Vladimir Coufal was moved out to right wing-back due to the formation change, with West Ham hoping to get the best of his attacking qualities. Given licence to attack, Coufal played very high up in the first half, causing problems via his long throw-ins, leading to some half chances for West Ham early on. His quick-thinking from late first half throw in caught Gent napping, finding Bowen who was able to tee up Ings to make it 1-0. Harshly booked in the second half, despite seeing his opposition man trip over his own feet, much to his frustration. The best of West Ham's back five. 6

Flynn Downes

With Tomas Soucek spared and Lucas Paqueta on his way back from a minor foot issue, Flynn Downes was handed a start in midfield. A mixed outing for Flynn Downes. Was wrongly found guilty of a foul when making a good tackle to stop a counter attack in the first, getting booked later in the first half for a challenge on Hyunseok Hong. Largely good in his passing, but caught out at times. Bought off for Paqueta with under 20 minutes to go. 6

Declan Rice (Star man)

Captain Declan Rice did keep his place, tasked with leading a sturdy midfield in the middle of the resilient Downes and the classy Manuel Lanzini. In a side of largely flat performances, Rice was West Ham's best player. Not his best game, but when West Ham tried to turn defence into attack, it was often Rice who was the turning point. Made a number of clearances, including one to cut out a big Gent chance on the counter attack in the first half. Good with his long passing when West Ham tried to stretch the play and make things happen. 7

Manuel Lanzini

Like Areola, Manuel Lanzini was re-introduced to the fold, winning his 11th start in this competition of the campaign. While Lanzini kept the ball well, tasked with making chances in the No.10 role, he failed to create a single chance for his players, lacking the cutting edge required in that position. Not often taken off in these games, but was the first sacrificed after an hour, probably a sign of his lack of creativity. 5

Emerson

Emerson was among those hooked for the win at Fulham, but as Moyes struck a balancing act between rotating his squad and naming a strong side, the Italian was recalled back into the starting 11. The Italian failed to match the influence of Coufal's threat from the right side on the left, being positioned much deeper than his fellow wing-back was. Showed more glimpses in the second half, but did not really do too much to create things. 5

Jarrod Bowen

Jarrod Bowen scored twice for West Ham in their last Europa Conference League clash against AEK Larnaca last month. Bowen was among those whose performance dipped after half-time, but in the first half, he was the source of every chance. It was his corner that was spilled leading to Aguerd's disallowed goal and it was his quick thinking of Coufal's throw to tee up Ings. Should have found the target when put through on goal at 1-1, but wasted a big chance at the end of Paqueta's pass. 7

Danny Ings

In his eighth career appearance in Europe, Danny Ings was making just his second start in UEFA competitions, his first since October 2015. After hardly touching the ball in the first half, Ings pounced with a true striker's instinct as West Ham reacted quickly at the end of the half, tapping in at the back post with Coufal and Bowen acting quickly. Won a couple of fouls but his goal was his main contribution of note, although he did the job West Ham paid Aston Villa £12million for in January. 7

Substitutes

Said Benrahma

Shortly after Cuypers' equaliser, Moyes opted for a double change, bringing Said Benrahma and Michail Antonio on after the hour mark. Did very little when coming on, despite being found on the break on multiple occasions. Not the effect West Ham wanted or needed. 5

Michail Antonio

Michail Antonio got two goals in his last Europa Conference League outing in Cyprus, but was only given 30 minutes off the bench to add to that against Gent. Gave West Ham more of an outlet up front, with the Hammers able to aim long balls at him and use his strength to start counter attacks. 6

Lucas Paqueta

Just like he was against Anderlecht in West Ham's last trip to Belgium, Paqueta was bought on with just over 15 minutes to go in midfield, with West Ham needing a flash of inspiration and quality that night. Almost did that shortly after coming on with his brilliant through ball finding Bowen's run, but the winger could not steer his effort on goal, West Ham's best chance barring Ings' goal. Was West Ham's most creative player, despite playing less than 20 minutes. Created a good chance flicking wide to Antonio, also thought he won a late free-kick on the charge when pouncing on a loose ball. Short cameo, but one to be pleased about. 7

Aaron Cresswell

West Ham's vice-captain came off the bench with just minutes remaining, with the Hammers' backline under serious pressure late on. N/A

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