Southampton 0-1 West Ham United
Fabianski:N/A Fumbled an early shot. Made an incredible save from an Onuachu header on 24 mins with amazing footwork to deny a certain goal. Suffered a blow to the head half an hour into the game which did not look at all good.
Wan Bissaka:7 A great run early in the game saw him outpace Kyle Walker Peters and set Soler up with a chance he should have scored. Switched off on the far post as KWP cut the ball back for Onuachu who headed just wide. Shot wide at the end of the first half following a good move.
Mavropanos:6 Had to move to the right side of central defence after Kilman’s substitution and almost immediately passed the ball to the opposition. He makes me nervous.
Kilman:N/A Excellent long range pass to Bowen early in the game as West Ham dominated the early exchanges. Had everyone worried when he went down with a shoulder injury after 15 mins and was replaced by Todibo shortly after.
Emerson:4 Given the run-around by Sugawara who thankfully can’t cross.
Rodriguez:4 Hard to really say anything positive in what was a shoddy first half midfield performance from West Ham. Was given a red card but had it rescinded by VAR after he pulled out of a two footed challenge on Kyle Walker Peters.
Soucek:6 A passenger for most of the opening 45 mins but played an important role in West Ham’s opener.
Soler:4 Hit the bar in the fourth minute following great work from AWB.
Bowen:7 Looked sharp enough and shot over from long range at the start of the game. Along with Wan Bissaka, the only Hammers player with any real energy for 90 mins. Scored in the second half showing good striker instincts.
Kudus:5 Crazy pass gifted Saints with a chance on the edge of the Irons area. Hardly involved and has zero chemistry with Emerson. Didn’t really win too many 50/50 balls.
Fullkrug:6 Nice dummy helped Soler get and early shot. Not much else until the 42nd minute when he won a good header to help set up an attack. Made a crucial flick-on to assist Bowen for the opener.
Substitutions
Todibo:7 18th min sub for the injured Kilman. Did just enough to stop a Saints attack just before half time. Positionally dodgy sometimes but I thought he did well and played his role in West Ham’s goal.
Areola:6 35th min sub for Fabianski who had to be stretchered off. Comfortable save from Onuachu.
Alvarez:6 Brought on in the second half for Soler. Made up the most uninspiring midfield three but tried his best and at least had some urgency.
Cresswell:6 67th min sub for Fullkrug.
Summerville:6 Replaced Rodriguez in a joint substitution. Almost immediately had a chance from a tight angle.
Coufal: 87th min change for Emerson
