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:
Roberto - 5
Roberto made an error for Sheffield United’s goal. The ball bounced four times before hitting the back of the net.
This is the second consecutive week he has shown questionable goalkeeping and Hammers fans will feel that they may not have dropped points with Lukasz Fabianksi between the sticks.
Pablo Zabeleta - 6
He performed solidly on his return to the first-team.
West Ham fans may have questioned his ability to play this role effectively in the twilight of his career. However, he got forward regularly and made ground to stop Enda Stevens running riot.
Issa Diop - 6
A fairly routine performance from the Frenchman today.
The likes of Billy Sharp and Lys Mousset didn’t get much joy against him this afternoon.
His clearance was an unfortunate one, for a player who didn’t really put a foot wrong.
Fabien Balbuena - 5
The Paraguayan’s return to the first-team was a mixed bag.
He distributed the ball well from the back but he looked shaky against crosses into his box.
Aaron Cresswell - 6
Cresswell continued his consistency at the back today.
While he isn’t as technical as Arthur Masuaku, he is a better defender and is showing good delivery when released down the left-hand side.
Declan Rice - 7
Fantastic effort today by Declan Rice.
He recovered well when Sheffield United broke the West Ham defence and regularly got forward to support his team.
Mark Noble - 6
The Skipper played his part in a resilient West Ham midfield.
He found himself in a slightly deeper role today and protected his defence when Oliver Norwood and John Fleck pushed forward.
Robert Snodgrass - 7
Eyebrows were raised when Robert Snodgrass started over Manuel Lanzini.
Where the West Ham midfield can sometimes lack energy, the Scotsman offered energy in the engine room this afternoon.
He also took his finish very well for a player who hasn’t featured regularly this season.
Andriy Yarmolenko - 6
A less fruitful afternoon for the Ukrainian, who found himself isolated at times on that wing.
He did threaten late on, playing a delicious ball into Aaron Cresswell.
Maybe it’s time for Manuel Pellegrini to play him as a 10.
Felipe Anderson - 6
Flashes of the Felipe Anderson last season appeared but he wasn’t consistent or clinical enough.
He is West Ham’s main threat and has the attributes to score more goals and assist Sebastian Haller.
He can’t do this if he plays as deep as he did for the majority of this afternoon.
Sebastian Haller - 5
Sebastian Haller didn’t put in a bad performance but he is nonetheless an isolated figure up-front.
He doesn’t get enough quality service into him and, when he knocks the ball on, there’s no-one to support him.
He is continuing to drop deeper to collect in frustration and as a result, he is becoming less influential.
Summary
Manuel Pellegrini would’ve been happy with his side’s performance today against a dangerous Sheffield United team.
However, his side’s lack of clinical edge in the final third may see West Ham finish another season mid-table, rather than pushing for European football.