West Ham United suffered a heartbreaking loss against Nottingham Forest as Nuno Espirito Santo’s side fell seven points adrift of safety in the Premier League relegation zone.
This is how Hammers News rated West Ham United’s players.
23. Alphonse Areola – 4/10
As West Ham make a move for Matheus Bento, it felt like their long-serving glovesman needed to provide a reminder of his qualities tonight. Areola made some fine saves, one in particular to tip over a Neco Williams curler, but cost West Ham dear when he clattered into Morgan Gibbs-White late on.
Dived the wrong way for the resulting spot-kick.
2. Kyle Walker-Peters – 7/10
Didn’t deserve to be on the losing side. Walker-Peters was one of West Ham’s biggest threats going forward, setting Jarrod Bowen away on a few occasions and also forcing a good save out of Matz Sels on the overlap.
Unfortunately, one of the Hammers’ shortest players was the man at the back post as Nicolas Dominguez’s equaliser looped in.
15. Konstantinos Mavropanos – 8/10
Like Walker-Peters, the Greek giant saw his excellent work unrewarded thanks to Areola’s clumsiness. In for Max Kilman, and what a presence he was at the heart of the backline. Won countless headers, threw himself at the ball, and lead by example.
25. Jean-Clair Todibo – 6/10
West Ham actually defended very well from open play, conceding from a corner and a penalty. Todibo did well alongside Scarles and Mavropanos but Hammers legend Tony Gale was left baffled after the Frenchman missed a header which to the corenr from which Forest drew level.
30. Ollie Scarles – 8/10
Nuno was ‘delighted’ to see Scarles respond to his critics with a stand-out display in the 2-2 draw with Brighton. Seven days later, this was arguably even more impressive.
Scarles was so good defensively that Isaac Hutchinson, one of the trickiest of customers, was hauled off at the break by Sean Dyche. The youngster made four tackles and seven clearances in a superb defensive effort, and helped neutralise Igor Jesus when he drifted wide.
Did lack quality, though, with some of his passes and crosses.
Replaced by Ezra Mayers.
18. Mateus Fernandes – 6/10
A funny game for Fernandes. Didn’t see much of the ball in the first half as Forest controlled possession. When he did get it, he was typically positive in his attempts to play through the lines, albeit with mixed results.
Much more involved in the second-half. Work rate was typically impressive.
Replaced by Freddie Potts
28. Tomas Soucek – 7/10
A good addition in place of Freddie Potts. Soucek’s sheer presence at the first post forced an own goal from Murillo, with the Czech getting a vital flick on the ball. Strong and industrious in the centre, and some lovely combinations with Bowen.
Deserves to keep his place.
10. Lucas Paqueta – 5/10
The quietest of West Ham’s attacking quartet. Back in the team after missing the Wolves defeat with a back injury, Paqueta worked hard but struggled to get involved consistently.
Simply has to stop getting caught in possession in his own half.
Replaced by Pablo.
20. Jarrod Bowen – 5/10
Very involved, and in very good areas. Bowen apologised to the West Ham fans after missing chances in the defeat to Fulham though and this was more of the same.
Blocked by Murillo in one late opening when he delayed his shot, and then scuffed a volley wide moments later. Summed up his evening.
7. Crysencio Summerville – 5/10
Denied what would have been a first Premier League goal since 2024 when his fizzing volley was ruled out an offside against Castellanos. Ironically, that was probably Summerville’s fault. Castellanos only ran into an offside position because the winger delayed his through ball until too late.
Again, plenty of intent but constantly ran down blind alleys when teammates were begging for a pass.
11. Taty Castellanos – 7/10
Castellanos promised he would bring energy and effort to the Hammers, and he was as good as his word. Goalscoring chances were few and far between – Sels denied him from point blank range in a second-half snapshot – but the debutant led the line well and offered a good outlet with his darting runs in behind.
Will feel the offside against him for Summerville’s disallowed effort was highly unfortunate.
Substitutes
63. Ezra Mayers – 6/10
Could have had an assist with a magnificent first-time pass into Bowen. Replaced the excellent Scarles and did OK.
19. Pablo Felipe – 6/10
Some neat touches from the other West Ham debutant, who dropped deep and drifted wide in search of the ball. Lovely awareness to set up Walker-Peters chance but ballooned his only shot of the game over.
32. Freddie Potts – N/A
On too late to make an impact.
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