Strong Defensive Showing Not Enough: West Ham United player ratings vs Leicester

West Ham United’s winless run in the Premier League extended to three games after their latest draw against Leicester City. The Hammers will be disappointed to have conceded a late equaliser, especially after leading for a large period of the game.

After grabbing the opener in the 30th minute through Fabian Balbuena, Mark Noble’s red card in the 38th minute did prove costly for the London side as they failed to preserve their clean sheet against Leicester with Wilfred Ndidi scoring an 89th-minute equaliser.

West Ham United Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski (9/10): It was a busy afternoon for Lukasz Fabianski, who made a host of saves help West Ham hold onto their slender one-goal lead.

But, he was unfortunate to concede the equaliser late in the game as the ball deflected off Balbuena to find the back of the net. He ended the game, having made seven saves, compared to Kasper Schmeichel’s paltry total of two.

Pablo Zabaleta (8.5/10): Following Mark Noble’s sending off in the 38th minute, Pablo Zabaleta took the captain’s armband and led by example as he produced a masterful display on the right flank.

Fabian Balbuena (8/10): Was quickest to react to his own header to score the opener in the 30th minute. Defensively, he was solid, making 15 clearances as well as two tackles and two interceptions. He was unlucky with the deflection to concede the equaliser in the dying embers of the game.

Issa Diop (8/10): After a shaky start to the game, Issa Diop produced a solid defensive display, keeping out the opposing attackers with his doggedness in defence. The new signing made five clearances as well as two interceptions but it was his defending in deep blocks that stood out.

Arthur Masuaku (7.5/10): Replacing Aaron Cresswell on the left flank, Masuaku was okay in dealing with the threat of Rachid Ghezzal and later, Demarai Gray. However, he wasn’t as influential as Zabaleta on the opposite flank although he did end up mustering eight clearances.

Declan Rice (7.5/10): Had a shaky start to the game as he lacked support in midfield coupled with his lack of ball-retention qualities as he was often caught off-guard by a marauding Wilfred Ndidi. However, he played a key defensive role in the second half, often breaking up Leicester’s rhythm in the middle.

Grady Diangana (7/10): Taking on the mantle of replacing Andriy Yarmolenko, Grady Diangana had some promising moments but was largely restricted to his half when Leicester marched forward in numbers following Mark Noble’s sending off. Combined well with Zabaleta at times.

Mark Noble (4/10): Much like Rice, Mark Noble got off to a slow start, looking vulnerable in midfield before making a lunging tackle on Ndidi which was enough to earn him a straight red. His sending off sabotaged West Ham’s chances against Leicester as the Hammers struggled with 10-men.

Robert Snodgrass (7.5/10): He was one of the bright sparks in a West Ham attack that barely got forward because of the numerical disadvantage. Snodgrass took three shots, most by any West Ham player on the pitch.

Felipe Anderson (6/10): Yet another disappointing performance from the Brazilian who struggled with his output even before his side went down to 10 men. After the red card, he was forced to track back and help out the defence.

Javier Hernandez (5/10): Failed to make any sort of impact as he was hesitant in making his trademark runs in behind the defence. He also lacked the service from his teammates which is completely understandable.

Substitutes

Michail Antonio (6.5/10): Replaced the ineffective Javier Hernandez around the hour mark and put in a good shift by harrowing the opposing defenders with his direct runs.

Aaron Cresswell (6/10): Came on for Grady Diangana in the 75th minute as Manuel Pellegrini opted for more defensive bodies in behind.

Angelo Ogbonna (5/10): With Leicester City penning down West Ham in their own-half, Pellegrini had no choice but to introduce Angelo Ogbonna with just ten minutes left on the clock. Had a good chance to give West Ham the lead right after the Leicester equaliser but his shot was just over the bar.

Stat courtesy: Whoscored