Said Benrahma looked most likely to make things happen for West Ham on Sunday
(Picture: AFP via Getty Images)West Ham made it back-to-back Premier League defeats as they were beaten by Nottingham Forest.
Forest, who were hosting their first Premier League game in 23 years, ran out 1-0 winners thanks to Taiwo Awoniyi’s goal in the first-half of stoppage time.
West Ham, however, were unlucky to leave the Midlands empty-handed as they hit the crossbar twice and had an effort cleared off the line.
Declan Rice also missed a penalty and Said Benrahma had a goal chalked off after VAR spotted a foul by Michail Antonio in the build-up.
Simon Collings was at the City Ground to see West Ham in action...
Lukasz Fabianski - 8
Had a good game in goal, making a number of big saves to keep Forest only one ahead. Distribution was solid too to pick out Antonio.
Vladimir Coufal - 6
A solid performance from the right-back, who tried to get forward when he could. Kept Forest’s left side fairly quiet most of the game.
Kurt Zouma - 7
Just about West Ham’s best defender this afternoon as he battled away with Awoniyi all game. Helped Ben Johnson through the game too.
Ben Johnson - 7
Given he is playing out of position, the 22-year-old did fairly well. Held his own for much of the game and was unlucky with the Forest goal.
Awoniyi opens his Forest account on his debut!! ⚽
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) August 14, 2022
The City Ground is rocking! 🔊 pic.twitter.com/28C4NKamRN
Aaron Creswell - 6
Went close with a free-kick early on that flew over the bar. Had a solid enough game at left-back as he linked up with Benrahma.
Tomas Soucek - 7
Playing in a more advanced role this season and was unlucky not to get a goal this afternoon. Had a shot blocked in the six-yard box by Scott McKenna’s arm.
Declan Rice - 6
Not the dominant performance we have come to expect from the England international, which wasn’t helped by an early booking. Missed a penalty too.
Jarrod Bowen - 6
Couldn’t really get into the game as he would have liked, with much of West Ham’s play coming down the left. Not at the level he was last season yet.
Pablo Fornals - 6
Was unlucky not to score when he hit the bar with an effort just after half-time. Caught out in possession a few times and was wasteful on ball occasionally.
Said Benrahma - 8 | Star player
Probably West Ham’s best player and the most likely to make something happen. Somehow didn’t score when his free-kick crashed against the bar. Had a goal ruled out by VAR too.
Michail Antonio - 6
Worked tirelessly up top against a Forest defence using three centre-backs. Held the ball up well given circumstances, but didn’t get many looks at goal.
Substitutions
Gianluca Scamacca (Antonio, 68’) - 6
Not given long to make an impact, but put himself about. Had one nice turn and shot blocked.
Manuel Lanzini (Fornals, 68’) - 6
Tried to get West Ham going after being thrown on, but Forest denied him space.
Maxwel Cornet (Bowen, 85’) - N/A
