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Football London

Sport

Jonty Colman

West Ham player ratings: Nayef Aguerd and Lucas Paqueta star in crucial Southampton victory

Nayef Aguerd West Ham Southampton Lucas Paqueta David Moyes Kurt Zouma EPL Said Benrahma Hammers Flynn Downes

West Ham United have moved up to 14th and a point clear of the relegation zone after a crucial 1-0 victory over Southampton at the London Stadium.

Nayef Aguerd's header midway through the first half was enough to seal victory for the Hammers, the goal initially ruled out for offside before a long VAR check.

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

Lukasz Fabianski

Goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski was back in the squad and back in the starting 11 after missing the last five games with a nasty injury against Nottingham Forest, where he fractured both his cheekbone and eye-socket. The Polish stopper was eased into the game, initally only having to keep out crosses before being forced to deny Romain Perraud from beating him for a second time this season shortly after Aguerd's opener, getting down low to tip the French left-back's effort wide. Forced into action twice in quick succession in the second half to deny Romeo Lavia and substitute Carlos Alcaraz, holding onto both attempts well. Almost conceded late on when Paul Onuachu's header crashed off the bar. 7

Thilo Kehrer

Although Vladimir Coufal was back in the squad after missing five matches with a heel injury, German defender Thilo Kehrer was in the starting side ahead of him at right-back. Was one of those booed in the first half for sometimes turning back instead of progressing forward. More than made up for it minutes later though when his in-swinging free-kick was turned in superbly by Aguerd. Flurried forward more after his assist, once to tee up Said Benrahma and another saw him in a rare position through on goal, although he could not control the long pass he was running on to. 7

Kurt Zouma

Frenchman Kurt Zouma was among the defensive players missing at Southampton back in October when the Hammers were forced into a very makeshift line-up. Had no concerns of that this time around as he partnered Aguerd at the back. Looked really solid and always adds more solidity in the back line whenever he features, with his long-awaited new partnership with Aguerd continuing to progress. While much of Southampton's attempts were from range, what Zouma did have to do, he managed to do so well. 7

Nayef Aguerd

Despite returning from international duty with Morocco with a minor concern over a hip injury, Nayef Aguerd was straight back in the starting line-up to partner Zouma at the heart of defence. Had defended well in the first half to shepherd Southampton's forays forward, cutting out possession and starting passing moves forward. Opened the scoring and sparked life into the game when heading in Kehrer's free-kick, initially ruled out before being given after a VAR check, his first goal in a West Ham shirt. Remained solid in the second half and continued his runs forward, showing good pace, awareness and ability to lead in a back line. Keeping him and Zouma fit at the same time will be crucial in the run in. 8

Emerson

Left-back Emerson has continued to show why the spot is his, despite having an illness going into the game. Was one of West Ham's most progressive players, often running with the ball towards Saints' back line and trying to make things happen with his crosses, although they did not lead to as many chances as West Ham will have hoped for. Showed good passing moves with Benrahma and attacking intent that was lacked by others at times. 7

Tomas Soucek

Czech Republic midfielder Tomas Soucek played twice for Czech Republic on international duty, one of a number of players going into the game with minutes for their countries. Defended well, especially in the first half, but some of his passes were sloppy at times. Showed positives in the air contesting balls in an often direct game. Taken off midway through the second half in place of Flynn Downes. 6

Declan Rice

Captain Declan Rice played such a crucial role as the midfield lynch-pin, coming into the game just over a week after scoring on his 40th England cap. Positionally, he was excellent, moved the ball about well and and was quick to rush on to Southampton's passes and cut out moves. A few important clearances as well at times when needed. 7

Lucas Paqueta

Brazilian midfielder Lucas Paqueta was back in the starting side after featuring on international duty with Brazil against Aguerd and Morocco. He made a ridiculous seven tackles in the first half alone, five more than any other player. Really looked good after the break, showing more of his technical flair as well as direct passing and clever movement. Almost added a second goal late on, firing over at the end of a corner. 8

Jarrod Bowen

Jarrod Bowen's tenacious running and non-stop energy always makes him a threat. It was that running which gave the Hammers the free-kick which Aguerd scored from. He caused one-time Hammers target Duje Caleta-Car problems, not only for the goal but also getting him booked soon after. Created good chances in the second half for others that were not converted, having hit the bar shortly before the interval. 7

Danny Ings

Danny Ings was back against a Southampton side where he scored 41 Premier League goals in just 91 league matches before leaving for Aston Villa in the summer of 2021. Held the ball up well, pressed high and drew a couple of fouls out of Southampton's players, but did not really trouble the opposition backline in terms of going close to scoring. 6

Said Benrahma

A largely sluggish first half from Said Benrahma down the left side. West Ham fans were desperate for him to run at players and spark life going forward, but Benrahma often stopped moves and cut back in the first half. Much better in the second half, more attacking and dangerous, forcing Gavin Bazunu into a diving save to stop a free-kick in the second half. 6

Substitutes

Michail Antonio

Jamaican international striker Michail Antonio was introduced shortly after the hour mark on his return from a minor calf injury. Good energy and threatened but no clear cut chances. 5

Flynn Downes

Midfielder Flynn Downes was given more than 20 minutes off the bench as West Ham looked to see the game off in its final quarter. Kept the ball tidily. 5

Pablo Fornals

Spanish midfielder Pablo Fornals was bought on in the closing stages in place of the impressive Paqueta. N/A