West Ham fell to a 3-1 defeat to Arsenal on Boxing Day with Lucas Paqueta particularly poor for the Hammers.
Despite a first-half penalty from Said Benrahma, West Ham failed to hold out against the league leaders’ barrage as they collapsed after the break.
Here’s how David Moyes’ side rated at the Emirates...
Lukasz FabiaÅski - 5
Decent low save from Thomas Partey early in second half but beaten far too easily at near-post by Gabriel Martinelli.
Vladimir Coufal - 5
Looked to be in for a rough night against Martinelli on the evidence of first few minutes but recovered well. Booked.
Thilo Kehrer - 5
Versatility needed again as German reverted to centre-back. Duel with Eddie Nketiah was a decent one but rolled easily for the striker’s goal.
The turn, the finish! 😍
— Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) December 26, 2022
Eddie Nketiah provides the clinical finish to a beautifully worked goal 🙌#PLonPrime #ARSWHU pic.twitter.com/xcmUi0RQGK
Craig Dawson - 7
A towering presence, headed everything clear. Some fine long passing to relieve pressure, too.
Aaron Cresswell - 5
Given the runaround by Bukayo Saka but few aren’t. Took one full in the face from Martin Odegaard, with penalty decision rightly overturned. Crucial block from Ben White cross denied Nketiah chance.
Declan Rice - 7
Read the game brilliantly and the only player able to live with Arsenal’s midfield movement early on. Another night that showed why his Champions League ambitions will be fulfilled before long.
Tomas Soucek - 5
Not sharp enough against a vibrant midfield and his place could well come under pressure sooner rather than later.
Jarrod Bowen - 7
Encouraging signs in mid-season friendlies and took that into the first league game of the restart. Always a threat in behind. Booked.
Lucas Paqueta - 4
Back in an advanced role having excelled deeper for Brazil in Qatar but struggled to make any real impact as he was outshone by Odegaard.
Said Benrahma - 6
Took his penalty very nicely but frustrated his manager with some soft concessions of possession inside his own half.
Michail Antonio - 6
Gianluca Scamacca’s injury handed Jamaican first league start since mid-September and this was the kind of game that shows him to best effect, holding ball up and creating Bowen’s opening that won the penalty.
Substitutes
Pablo Fornals (Soucek 78’) - N/A
Divin Mubama (Antonio 87’) - N/A
