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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

West Ham player ratings vs Derby: Bowen looking back to his best as Aguerd shows his worth

Jarrod Bowen starred as West Ham booked a showdown against Manchester United in the fifth-round of the FA Cup by beating Derby.

It was Bowen who opened the scoring in the 10th minute and Michail Antonio added a second shortly after half-time to secure a 2-0 win.

The victory is a boost for Hammers boss David Moyes, who has been under pressure with West Ham sat 16th in the Premier League.

As a reward, West Ham will travel to Old Trafford to face United next month.

Simon Collings was at Pride Park to see West Ham in action...

Alphonse Areola - 6

To be honest, he didn’t have masses to do as Derby were restricted to long-range shots and half chances. A comfortable night’s work.

Thilo Kehrer - 6

Probably the weakest of the back-three and he looked a little shaky early on. Settled down eventually and used his pace well to control Derby’s left side.

Angelo Ogbonna - 7

Put in a good performance in the heart of a back-three. Dominant in the air and marshalled the two centre-backs alongside him well.

Nayef Aguerd - 8

Looked the most assured and composed of West Ham’s centre-backs. Had some lovely touches on the ball and helped the Hammers play out from the back. Been a big miss this season.

Ben Johnson - 5

Really struggled, particularly during the first-half, and it felt like Derby targeted his flank. Improved after the break and looked more solid.

Tomas Soucek - 7

A combative display in the middle of the park. Got through plenty of running as he put himself about. Set up the opening goal for Bowen.

Flynn Downes - 7

Had a good game in the middle of the park, where he impressed with his pressing and tackling. Broke up play high inside the Derby half, which helped West Ham counter well.

Emerson Palmieri - 7

Got better and better as the game went on. Looks a threat going forward and viable competition for Aaron Cresswell’s place in the team.

Jarrod Bowen - 8 | Star player

Starting to look back to his best after enduring a difficult season so far. Scored West Ham’s opener here and then setup their second too.

(REUTERS)

Michail Antonio - 8

Back among the goals for the first time since November and he deserved it. Led the line well and caused Derby’s defenders plenty of problems.

Pablo Fornals - 6

Missed a good chance to shoot in the first-half when he had been played in down the left. Summed up a frustrating night for him.

Substitutions

Said Benrahma (Antonio 64’) - 7

Came on and produced a lively cameo as a false nine. Created a good chance for Bowen.

Aaron Cresswell (Emerson 78’) - N/A

Divin Mubama (Bowen 78’) - N/A

Manuel Lanzini (Fornals 87’) - N/A

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