It was a tough afternoon for Jarrod Bowen versus Manchester City
(Picture: Getty Images)West Ham were the victims of an Erling Haaland brace as Manchester City began the defence of their Premier League title with a 2-0 win at the London Stadium.
A sobering start to the campaign also came with fresh injury concern for the Hammers.
Here’s how Malik Ouzia rated David Moyes’ side at London Stadium...
Lukasz Fabianski - 5
Moyes kept the faith with last season’s No1 over Alphonse Areola but he only lasted 28 minutes before being forced off injured.
Vladimir Coufal - 6
Rarely able to get forward, with hands understandably full dealing with Joao Cancelo and Jack Grealish’s threat. Caught the latter with a nasty challenge early on.
Kurt Zouma - 6
The only centre-half available to Moyes, seemed to relish responsibility and challenge of facing Haaland. Had no idea where he was for second goal, though and then looked to struggle with injury.
Ben Johnson - 6
Became such a reliable performer in a number of positions last term and did little wrong at centre-back here, until failing to track Haaland’s run for second goal.
Aaron Cresswell - 6
Given the run-around by Phil Foden on the right but stuck at it.
Haaland has bagged a brace on his Premier League debut! 2️⃣
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 7, 2022
That ball from De Bruyne though... 🤤 pic.twitter.com/jsYLXj9qgQ
Declan Rice - 7
Led side out as permanent skipper for the first time and reading of the game was typically superb.
Tomas Soucek - 5
Been on good form in pre-season but sloppy in possession on a couple of occasions in first-half and attacking threat nullified.
Pablo Fornals - 6
Brilliant cross set up early Michail Antonio chance and grafted hard as ever.
Manuel Lanzini - 5
A quiet afternoon for the Argentine as West Ham were starved of possession.
Jarrod Bowen - 4
Tore City apart here only three months ago but hardly had a kick today.
Michail Antonio - 6
Looked bang up for it in early exchanges and went close with a header. Jarred his knee in an aerial challenge before half-time but battled on.
Substitutes
Alphonse Areola (Fabianski 28’) - 4
On for the injured Fabianski and his first major involvement was rash challenge to concede penalty. No chance with the second goal.
Gianluca Scamacca (Antonio 57’) - 6
The sight of the Italian preparing to come on lifted the London Stadium. Will take time to get up to speed.
Said Benrahma (Lanzini 57’) - 6
Put a half-chance too close to Ederson.
Conor Coventry (Fornals 90’) - N/A
Flynn Downes (Bowen 90’) - N/A
Unused: Randolph, Oko-Flex, Ashby, Vlasic.
