West Ham player ratings, heroes and villains as Hammers suffer slim defeat against Sevilla
West Ham suffer slim defeat with all still to play for in London next week in the second leg.
West Ham United will have to overturn a 1-0 deficit at the London Stadium next week if they are to advance to the quarter final stage of this season’s Europa League.
Midfielder Munir El Haddadi scored the only goal of the game at the Ramón Sánchez Pizjuán Stadium in Seville, to give Sevilla the advantage going into the second leg next Thursday.
The wheels look to be coming off for the Hammers in their quest to qualify for the Champions League, having suffered defeat to Liverpool over the weekend, and now the defeat in Seville means they have it all to do to rescue their season.
A strong second half from the hosts meant David Moyes’ side were always second best and will need an improved performance to turn things around and breath life into the European campaign.
Heroes
Said Benrahma - The Algerian midfielder has lost his starting slot in the team, but looked incredibly lively and dangerous when he was thrown in for the last 20 minutes after the Irons went a goal down. He created three chances and looked to drive the team forward every time he was on the ball.
Kurt Zouma - He has been an inspired signing from Chelsea and but for his strong display, Sevilla might have won this by a greater margin. He brought all his experience to the game and provided the calmness needed to ensure West Ham still had a chance going into the second leg.
Villains
Manuel Lanzini - The Argentine wasted the best chance for the Hammers in the second half and despite being willing and always wanting the ball, he’ll feel he could have done more with his finishing.
Michail Antonio - The striker played his heart out, but the goals have dried up recently and that is having an effect on the teams performance. Quite hard to have him as a villain, but he needs to get back amongst the goals if West Ham are to progress.
1. Ben Johnson- Young but willing and took the game as it came. Looks to be growing by the minute- 6.5
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
2. Kurt Zouma- Brought all his experience to play and kept his side in the team
(Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images)
3. Alphonse Areola- There was nothing he could do about the goal and dealt with all that came his way-6
(Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
4. Aaron Cresswell- Did not have the impact he would have liked but not exposed too. Decent game- 6
(Photo by Laurence Griffiths/Getty Images)