West Ham United were unable to make the most of their second half lead after losing 2-1 to Chelsea on Saturday afternoon.
Michail Antonio had put the Hammers ahead, with substitutes Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz netting to seal three points for the Blues. However, there was late VAR drama when Maxwel Cornet thought he scored a last-gasp equaliser, although it was disallowed harshly with Jarrod Bowen judged to have fouled Edouard Mendy in the build-up to the goal.
Here is how football.london’s West Ham United writer Jonty Colman rated the Hammers’ players against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.
READ MORE: Chelsea vs West Ham highlights as Ben Chilwell and Kai Havertz score, Cornet goal ruled out
Lukasz Fabianski
Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski went in search of his second shutout of the season against the Blues. Was not required all that much in the first half but sprung into action shortly after Antonio's goal, first doing well to meet an Armando Broja chance before rushing out again to stop fellow substitute Mason Mount from firing a shot off. Beaten too easily for Chelsea's equaliser from an angle that should have favoured him and not allowed Chilwell to equalise. 6
Vladimir Coufal
It was the quick thinking of Czech Republic right-back Vladimir Coufal from a throw-in that inspired Tomas Soucek's equalising goal for the Hammers against Tottenham Hotspur in midweek. Had done well to shackle the threats of Marc Cucurella until he was taken off with around 20 minutes to go. He and Thilo Kehrer next to him were outjumped too easily by Chilwell before the defender poked in the equaliser through the legs of Fabianski. 5
Thilo Kehrer
Despite giving away a penalty and scoring an own goal in his short West Ham career to date so far, Thilo Kehrer has looked the most impressive of the summer signings so far, with the German showing serious technical quality and really good positional sense. Had defended well for large parts and looked good with the ball at his feet and playing out from the back but found himself beaten too easily in the air in the build-up to Chilwell's goal. 6
Kurt Zouma (Star man)
Centre-back Kurt Zouma was one of two former Chelsea players in the Hammers' starting line-up to play against the Blues. Excellent at the back against his former side, just as he was against Tottenham. Drawn into a few clearances and blocks early on and whenever he was needed, Zouma was in the right place at the right time. Really starting to find his best form again, continuing to prove his performance. 7
Emerson
Having left Chelsea last month, Emerson was back in the starting side to face his former club, with Aaron Cresswell injured. Showed plenty of attacking intent going forward when he had the ball, but his passing was a bit wayward at times. Ended the game in a more recognised role at left wing-back. 6
Declan Rice
Although he left the club aged 14, like Zouma and Emerson, Hammers skipper Declan Rice was previously on the books of the Hammers' opponents. Really good in the heart of midfield, plenty of good interceptions, tackles and intent to carry West Ham up the pitch single-handedly. Provided the assist for Antonio's opener. 7
Tomas Soucek
Having had more shots than any other West Ham player so far this season, Soucek's goal against Spurs rewarded him for the chances he had been having but had been unable to convert prior to the midweek draw with Spurs. A well-timed interception early on in the game led to Ruben Loftus-Cheek fouling him, getting booked in the process. Kept the ball moving well at the heart of midfield despite Chelsea's pressure. 7
Jarrod Bowen
Jarrod Bowen had been yet to open his scoring account for the Premier League season and has so far been unable to emulate the success he had for the Hammers last season. At the heart of the VAR drama when he chased down a loose Reece James pass and inadvertently collided with Edouard Mendy, which saw Cornet's late equaliser ruled out. Pressed well and had flashes of threatening on the break, but not at his best still. 6
Lucas Paqueta
There was a full debut for Lucas Paqueta after his big money move to West Ham from Lyon, having come off the bench during Wednesday's draw with Spurs. With Chelsea dominating for large parts, there was quite the onus on Lucas Paqueta to run, track back and win the ball. Showed the odd glimpse of his technical quality but will get more chances to do so against lesser sides. 6
Pablo Fornals
West Ham's form in the Premier League started to turn after Pablo Fornals' deflected strike in the win over Aston Villa six days ago. He started on the left of the three behind Michail Antonio, with Paqueta central and Bowen down the right. Had the Hammers' only chance of note before half-time with a dipping volley from the edge of the box. A fairly quiet game for the Spaniard in truth, having to graft more than he could create. 5
Michail Antonio
Antonio led the line brilliantly for the Hammers against Spurs and got the chance to do so again at Chelsea, with Gianluca Scamacca still sidelined with a virus. Did not get a lot of service for much of the game but put himself up against Chelsea's backline physically, proving to be a match for Thiago Silva. Shortly after being booked for a shoving match with Reece James, Antonio positioned himself well as West Ham made the most of Chelsea not clearing their lines to poke home from a yard out. Taken off shortly after the goal. 7
Substitutes
Said Benrahma (on for Antonio, 74)
Led the line shortly after replacing Antonio as a makeshift striker at first before switching to a wide role when Cornet came on. 5
Angelo Ogbonna (on for Paqueta, 83)
Italian defender Angelo Ogbonna was bought on and it allowed the Hammers to move to a back five for the final portion. Beaten too easily by Havertz for Chelsea's winning goal. 5
Maxwel Cornet (on for Fornals, 86)
Hit the post within seconds of coming on and Chelsea went on to score their winner moments later. Thought he had scored stoppage time equaliser that was harshly ruled out by VAR. 6
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