Manuel Pellegrini made five changes ahead of today’s fixture against Sheffield United. Fabien Balbuena, Robert Snodgrass, Pablo Zabeleta, Andriy Yarmolenko and Aaron Cresswell were bought in for Angelo Ogbonna, Ryan Fredericks, Pablo Fornals, Manuel Lanzini and Arthur Masuaku.
For large periods of the game, it looked like Pellegrini’s decision to bring in hardworking and professional players had proved to be the right decision. West Ham looked composed in possession and, despite Sheffield United threatening, the experienced replacements looked to be comfortable against Chris Wilder’s unconventional tactics.
West Ham managed to get their goal late in the first half. After spending nearly 45 minutes of football trying to create a clear chance, a long ball from Roberto broke for Andriy Yarmolenko, who fed the on-rushing Robert Snodgrass. The Scotsman, despite being under pressure, slid the ball past Dean Henderson and gave the Hammers a goal to go in with at half-time.
The second half saw the game open up more. Sheffield United pushed George Baldock and Enda Stevens further forward to give Aaron Cresswell and Pablo Zabaleta problems.
As the Blades came forward, they left themselves exposed. Felipe Anderson had a hat-trick of chances to convert against Dean Henderson but the cumbersome final ball made it difficult for the attacking trio to get a good shot away.
West Ham were made to pay for their wasted chances in the second-half, when Sheffield United broke on the right hand-side. George Baldock whipped in a great ball, only for Issa Diop to clear to Lys Mousset, who converted his chance.
West Ham tried to push the envelope, bringing on Pablo Fornals and Albian Ajeti in the last ten minutes, however they failed to make a significant impact and the game ended in stalemate.
Let’s have a look at my player ratings for this afternoon’s game:
