West Ham continue to infuriate their fans with Jekyll and Hyde performances after a defeat to Liverpool.
West Ham suffered yet another defeat to Liverpool at Anfield.
But it could and should have been better for the Hammers.
It was another Jekyll and Hyde performance from West Ham, who were passive and boring in the first half – going in losing 1-0.
Graham Potter’s tactics and starting XI was largely to blame for that.
Second half Potter and his players woke up and realised they were taking part in a Premier League match.
West Ham Jekyll and Hyde again
A markedly improved performance brought about a deserved equaliser through an Andrew Robertson own goal.
But Liverpool merely shifted gears from neutral and won the game in the closing stages with Virgil van Dijk afforded a free header.
That’s now just three wins from 13 under Potter so far and seven defeats.
One or two of his players really stepped but there were two or three who noticeably struggled.
Potter will have to get this team playing for 90 minutes and a stark improvement in performances and results next season.
Because at the moment turning up for 45 minutes every week simply isn’t good enough.
West Ham ratings: Paqueta shines alongside absolute passenger
Alphonse Areola – 7/10: Made a number of smart stops because he is a great shot stopper. But he is not commanding his area like a top goalkeeper can and would. And that is why West Ham are considering replacing him as number one this summer.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 8/10: Aaron Wan-Bissaka was yet again one of the only players to turn it on for the full 90 minutes. Was the one who created West Ham’s goal with his run and cross. Hands down Hammer of the Year, no contest.
Jean-Clair Todibo – 7/10: Did OK but it is very worrying just how unfit he looks and clearly is as he was subbed off yet again.
Konstantinos Mavropanos – 7/10: Big Greek comes in for a lot of criticism and understandably so given his error-strewn performances. But Mavropanos played well at Anfield and was arguably West Ham’s best defender. Should have had a goal, though, after missing a sitter of a header.
Max Kilman – 6/10: Would have been a 7/10 score but marked down because his lack of leadership in helping young Ollie Scarles, who was given a torrid time by Mo Salah.
Ollie Scarles – 4/10: It was risky for Potter to start Ollie Scarles up against Salah and it backfired. Scarles has had a tough time of it since the international break. He was poor at Wolves and against Bournemouth being subbed off at half-time in both. Potter put him back in and Salah gave him a torrid time of it. Scarles won’t feel it now but he will learn more from this game than any of the others so far. Had an appalling lack of help from senior pros around him including James Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paqueta and Kilman. Subbed off.
Carlos Soler – 5/10: Did ok but nothing special. This is not Potter’s team but you have to ask yourself what the Hammers gain from starting a loan player the club has no intention of keeping next season. Subbed off.
Big decision looms over Championship Ward-Prowse
Lucas Paqueta – 8/10: The Brazilian seems to enjoy playing at Anfield. He was given a standing ovation for a virtuoso display previously. He showed the kind of class he can produce once again at Anfield. His magnificent pass made the West Ham goal. But he can also be accused of being partly to blame for Liverpool’s winner. Should have done more to help Scarles. Linked with a £20m move away from West Ham if he is cleared of spot-fixing. This performance showed he is worth a lot more than that.
James Ward-Prowse – 3/10: Those who celebrated Ward-Prowse’s return to West Ham like a new signing in January look a touch silly now. Potter seems to appreciate the midfielder, who is undoubtedly a consummate professional and likeable character. But as a player he is so one-dimensional and lacking in athleticism it is often hard to watch. Ward-Prowse lacks the dynamism needed to be an effective Premier League central midfielder. He is now over 30 and looks like a Championship player at times. He was an absolute passenger, being ran all over by Liverpool, especially in the first half – just as he was in the games against Bournemouth and Wolves. Ryan Gravenberch embarrassed him on more than one occasion. There is a big decision looming on his future for Potter. West Ham need so much more in the middle of the park.
Mohammed Kudus – 7/10: Mixed performance from Kudus. Worked hard for the team and faced a pretty thankless task for the most part. Unlucky not to score with a fantastic chipped effort. Improved second half and looked a threat.
Jarrod Bowen – 6.5/10: Not the best game for West Ham’s captain. Struggled to really make an impact, especially with the way Potter set up in the first half. Tried his best and worked hard as always. Also applied the pressure which helped lead to the Robertson own goal.
Substitutes: Coufal, Fullkrug and Guilherme – all 6/10. Did ok, Fullkrug went close with a looping header which hit the bar. But nothing to write home about.
Graham Potter – 5/10: Potter’s approach to matches is becoming infuriating. He needs to start taking the handbrake off and giving West Ham fans something to get excited about for next season. Second half display shows once he has his own players then there is potential around four or five of the current squad.
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