Player ratings as Paul Pogba scores a brace off penalties

Updated: 10/12/2024

[ad_1]

West Ham United fans will feel aggrieved by the manner of their side’s 1-2 loss at Old Trafford. Two penalties scored by Manchester United‘s Paul Pogba made the difference in the match, with the first a contentious decision as the falling Juan Mata may not have been in the box at the time of the debatable foul.

What made the spot-kicks even harder to swallow was Felipe Anderson’s disallowed volley. Although the Brazilian later beat David De Gea at the near post anyway, his leaping volley into the top right – which would have given West Ham a 0-1 lead – was ruled out for a very unclear offside.

Read more: Felipe Anderson goal disallowed controversially

However, there was nothing debatable about the second decision. With the match precariously at 1-1, substitute Ryan Fredericks left Anthony Martial a clear run at 30 yards of Old Trafford turf, before scything the Frenchman down from behind in his own area. Martial’s compatriot put away his second penalty of the match to seal the result.

The Red Devils move up to fifth place on 64 points, two behind Chelsea, while West Ham remain on 42 points in 11th.

Here is how the players rated on the afternoon. 

Manchester United

David De Gea (c) 7/10

His first disallowed concession to Anderson was near impossible to save, but he was at some fault for the equaliser. His save of Michail Antonio’s header was exceptional.

Diogo Dalot 5/10

Played Anderson onside and was saved by the linesman. Didn’t impart too much damage on the West Ham defence when getting further forward – which was rare.

Chris Smalling 5/10

Some iffy passing and he was nowhere for Anderson’s disallowed goal. Luckily, it didn’t matter in the end.

Phil Jones 7/10

Pretty robust and mostly assured today. Stopped danger early and didn’t flinch to get straight up to ward off an attack with a bleeding head.

Marcos Rojo 4/10

Not convincing at left-back today. Nowhere for Anderson’s allowed goal, ballwatching as he allowed the forward a free run at the back post.

Paul Pogba of Manchester United scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot (Getty Images)
Paul Pogba of Manchester United scores his team’s first goal from the penalty spot (Getty Images)

Paul Pogba 8/10

Some lovely flicks and two very well taken penalties. His passing range was impressive and he held the ball well in a deeper role.

Fred 7/10

Left Anderson to run for the disallowed goal, but otherwise was assured in a deep role.

Jesse Lingard 5/10

Chased energetically, but he lacks incision these days and creatively he is less of a surprise. Needs to have more of an impact on matches to convince Solskjaer he should start after a rebuild.

Juan Mata 5/10

A little slow on the ball and he was hooked pretty early for a more attacking threat in Rashford. He won the first penalty, with dubious contact from behind.

Anthony Martial 5/10

Rapid and a threat on the counter when he wants to be, but his deft dribbling and finishing precision has abandoned him of late.

Romelu Lukaku 6/10

Kept drifting into wide areas where he is not effective. Works hard and selflessly for the team, but he should be an attacking focal point and fed chances by his teammates, not the other way around.

Substitutes

Marcus Rashford 6/10

Hit an effort pretty central and was denied by Fabianski, and put a header over the bar.

Mason Greenwood 6/10

Andreas Pereira 6/10

West Ham United

West Ham United's Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson celebrates with teammates after scoring (AFP/Getty Images)
West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson celebrates with teammates after scoring (AFP/Getty Images)

Lukasz Fabianski 7/10

Not much he can do about two penalties. Made a cracking save off Marcus Rashford in the second half.

Pablo Zabaleta 7/10

The way he kept track of Anthony Martial was only appreciated when Fredericks came on and instantly struggled. Got forward well too – but he could have connected better with his shot.

Fabian Balbuena 8/10

Kept the United attack pocketed well, and was let down by the ill-discipline of his teammates. A really strong performance on the whole.

Angelo Ogbonna 7/10

A sound display, with no major errors. Tackled hard and wasn’t afraid of an aerial battle.

Arthur Masuaku 9/10

Brilliant going forward, with an excellent cross for the disallowed goal and many other good deliveries not converted into goals.

Declan Rice 8/10

Tackled hard and flew into some intriguing physical duels with Paul Pogba. Good interceptions and he recycled the ball well in possession, with forward passes. Was trying to push his teammates further forward late, but they didn’t get the message.

Felipe Anderson of West Ham United scores a goal but it is ruled for offside (Getty Images)
Felipe Anderson of West Ham United scores a goal but it is ruled for offside (Getty Images)

Felipe Anderson 9/10

Scored two goals, with one ruled out for an offside which was incredibly debatable. Beat men consistently and was a constant terror on the counterattack.

Mark Noble (c) 6/10

Passed sloppily in instances and sat too deep when West Ham should have been chasing the match.

Robert Snodgrass 6/10

A risky charge on Juan Mata led to a debatable penalty – but he was a bit reckless. Good from set pieces and a strong work rate as always.

Manuel Lanzini 6/10

Hot and cold, with some early excitement mixed with sloppy errors. Was forced off with what appeared to be a groin injury.

Javier Hernandez 6/10

Clever movement and nice support play for his teammates, but no chances of his own.

Substitutes

Follow us on Twitter: @iPaperSport

Grady Diangana 6/10

Brought some speed to the match but not much of an end product.

Michail Antonio 7/10

Rattled the bar after a great driving run. Then was denied by a brilliant David De Gea save.

Ryan Fredericks 3/10

Horrendously naiive to the run, and then produces a horror tackle to seal the result for Manchester United. Supersub, just for the wrong team.

@LouisAlexDore



[ad_2]
This post first appeared here

Relevant news

Leave a Reply