West Ham v Fulham player ratings
Fulham’s relegation worries increased further as West Ham came from behind to beat them at the London Stadium. Here’s how we rated each Whites player in the 3-1 defeat.
Sergio Rico: 7
His miscued punch created the mayhem from which Javier Hernandez eventually handled over the line for West Ham’s equaliser. Good reactions to keep out a near-post header from Michail Antonio and a close-range nod from Marko Arnautovic. Tipped another blistering effort on to a post.
Denis Odoi: 6
Worked hard to keep Felipe Anderson quiet but was often targeted by Robert Snodgrass as well and had plenty to do. Kept at it as Fulham looked for a way back into the match.
Havard Nordtveit: 6
The Norwegian international made his first appearance since joining from Hoffenheim, and did not have the easiest of baptisms – not looking the answer to those defensive woes. Got nowhere near Arnautovic for the third Hammers goal.
Tim Ream: 5
Seemed to be marking an empty space when Issa Diop ghosted in behind him to head the Hammers 2-1 up before half time. Still seems unsure of himself and struggling to recapture last season’s excellence.
Joe Bryan: 6
Tested by the wily runs of Pablo Zabaleta in the first half and was booked for bringing down the ex-Manchester City full-back. But a solid effort from the left-back, who also got forward to put in some dangerous crosses during the second half.
Tom Cairney: 8
Silky touches lent Fulham greater ambition and hopes of supplying Aleksandar Mitrovic with the ammunition he craves. One slide-rule pass to the Serb almost gained reward. Fired one shot on target from distance and sparked a great move with a lovely break from his own half.
Calum Chambers: 6
Never far from the action, although not really involved in any of the big moments. Got back to make a few blocks and linked play well.
Jean Michael Seri: 6
Early driving run created the opening goal and set the tone in a promising overture. But the Mark Noble-Declan Rice axis eventually got the better of him. Hooked at half-time in favour of Anguissa.
Ryan Sessegnon: 6
Fulham look a different side with him around and there was a buzz early on as he helped put the Whites on the front foot and ask questions. His low cross set up Ryan Babel’s early opener. Surprise to see him off at half-time.
Aleksandar Mitrovic: 7
Never stopped battling. Never stopped trying to unsettle the Hammers and make things happen. But his only real glimpse of goal, following a clever Cairney pass, was snuffed out.
Ryan Babel: 6
Should have scored after 40 seconds when clean through on goal with only keeper Lukasz Fabianski to beat, but recovered instantly to turn in Sessegnon’s low cross in the fourth minute. Another good low strike forced a save in the second half.
Lazar Markovic: 6
On for Sessegnon at the interval for his Fulham debut. Asking a lot to expect him to have an instant impact but there were some neat touches as he drifted from flank to flank.
Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa: 7
Brought on to supply greater defensive ballast at the start of the second half – the implication being that Seri was starting to be swatted aside too easily. His long striding energy at least had the desired effect.
