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Jonty Colman

West Ham player ratings: Declan Rice stars as Hammers take leap towards safety in Man United win

West Ham United have moved seven points clear of the relegation zone with a superb 1-0 victory over Manchester United.

Said Benrahma's shot from distance shortly before the half-hour mark was fumbled in by David De Gea to seal three points, with Michail Antonio and Tomas Soucek both having goals in the second half disallowed.

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

READ MORE: 'We know that' - David Moyes tells Maxwel Cornet what he must do to make West Ham return

Lukasz Fabianski

Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski went into the game eyeing a return to the clean-sheet club after conceding seven goals in his last two games, although he could not really be blamed for any of them. While United had several chances before half-time, the majority were either from range or tight enough angles to limit what United could actually make of them, with Fabianski forced to save a chance from Marcus Rashford before the break but little else. Again forced into action after the break, but not often and what he did have to do, he did well, whether it was clearances, coming off his line or making saves, he did the lot. Huge save in the 90th minute to keep out substitute Anthony Martial. 7

Thilo Kehrer

German defender Thilo Kehrer kept his place in the side but with a change in formation was moved to right-back, tasked with trying to keep Marcus Rashford quiet. Rashford did get some joy early on, although his chances were limited largely to shots from range or challenging efforts, getting little that was clean-cut. Kehrer though largely kept him quiet, especially in the second half, defending well on the front foot and providing a source to start moves from right-back, largely getting passes down the right to Jarrod Bowen, or others in front of him. Stepped up, exactly as he needed to. 7

Nayef Aguerd

One of three players back in the team after an illness-enforced absence in midweek was Nayef Aguerd, with his return seeing him partner Angelo Ogbonna in a centre-back partnership. Set a good tone for the rest of the game early on when putting in a perfectly-timed sliding challenge to cut out Rashford. Made some important clearances but largely, was ahead of what he needed to do, getting positioning on point to limit what he actually had to do. Went through the wars, suffering a late hamstring issue when chasing a Martial run. 8

Angelo Ogbonna

The experience of Ogbonna was shown from minute one to 90, and the eight added on at the end. Brilliant, imperious and really formed a good partnership with Aguerd next to him. United's attacking threats were all helped kept quiet, with Ogbonna leading the backline with all of his experience. In Kurt Zouma's absence, he's been given a fantastic chance to win himself a new deal for next season and with performances like this, it is hard to ignore the value he adds to this squad. 8

Aaron Cresswell

Aaron Cresswell's night started in a tough way, with the quick Brazilian feet of Antony getting the better of him more often than not and being United's primary outlet going forward until Benrahma's goal came out of nothing. Linked up excellently with Benrahma in the second half to help get crosses in the box and chances from wide areas. Really showed his experience with the way he cleared the ball late on. 7

Tomas Soucek

After missing his first league game in 16 months, Tomas Soucek was back in the heart of midfield, playing alongside Declan Rice and Lucas Paqueta. Showed so much physicality in a midfield which he helped boss, with the trio throwing themselves at every tackles, pass, loose ball, aerial duel and more. Went through the wars late on when clashing heads with Aaron Wan-Bissaka to show the true fight and gutsy qualities he has in his locker. Came close to scoring twice, with one volley saved and another hitting the outside of the post. Superb grit. Saw a late header go in before being narrowly ruled out for offside. 7

Declan Rice (Star man)

Captain Declan Rice was also back in the side after a midweek illness, anchoring midfield in between Soucek and Paqueta. For however much West Ham get for Rice when he eventually leaves, he will be worth every penny, and probably many, many more. Showed he was the Premier League's highest interception winner by winning several against a Man United sie chasing Champions League football. Created chances with his quick feet and clever running and mopped up all sorts in the middle of the pitch. Probably deserved an assist for his second half crosses, an outstanding display. 8

Lucas Paqueta

It may have taken a while, but Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta is showing what a signing he is proving to be. Has quick feet, and oozes in class but also shows fight and class to perfectly marry up with his other off-the-ball traits. Created good chances with his quick passing and had some chances of his own. Like Rice, outclassed the experience and quality of Casemiro in the middle of the park next to him. 8

Jarrod Bowen

Bowen may be known for his ability to score and create goals and what often goes unnoticed is his fight and never say die attitude. Battled on a loose ball to lead up to Benrahma getting it and scoring the winning goal, albeit in fortunate circumstances but created other windows for chances too. Gave Tyrell Malacia a tough night down his side and although he did not come too close to scoring, was among those to put a shift in. 7

Michail Antonio

Jamaican international Michail Antonio led the line perfectly for what he needed to do and harshly had a goal ruled out when turning in a second half corner, only adjudged to have fouled David De Gea. Produced a moment of sheer class on a second-half break to keep the ball and get Wan-Bissaka booked. A real shift and gave United's back line plenty to think about. 7

Said Benrahma

While Benrahma's goal was a rather tame attempt that was fumbled in by De Gea, he did so much for the team and his goal gave himself and the rest of the team a huge confidence boost. Excellent on the ball in the second half linking up with those around him well and also tracked and won balls better than normal. Probably the worst of his six league goals this season, but without a doubt, the most important. 8

Substitutes

Pablo Fornals

Bought on with less than four minutes remaining as fresh legs for the impressive Benrhama. N/A

Flynn Downes

Replaced Paqueta midway through stoppage time, on to add more grit at the back. N/A

Ben Johnson

On for Antonio with Downes, with Moyes throwing backs to the way for the final few minutes. N/A

Emerson

Also on in stoppage time for Cresswell. N/A

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