West Ham 2-0 Rapid Wien: Player ratings as Hammers maintain 100% start

Business

Goals from Declan Rice and Said Benrahma were enough to hand West Ham a deserved 2-0 win over Rapid Wien at the London Stadium, their second successive victory in the Europa League.

The Hammers weren’t ever at their flowing best during a cagey affair in east London, although you always felt that David Moyes‘ side had more in the tank if they needed to turn on the style.

A quiet opening to the game did see Rice hit the post with a glancing header after a devilish delivery into the box from Aaron Cresswell, but chances were otherwise few and far between.

The home supporters‘ nerves were settled just before the half hour mark when Rice tucked away from close range after an incisive run from midfield. Andriy Yarmolenko’s delicate ball found Michail Antonio in space, and his square ball across the penalty area picked out the advancing Englishman.

The goal was further evidence of Rice’s ability to play as a box-to-box midfielder, and he often looked to stride forward with the ball knowing Mark Noble was willing to tuck in and protect the back four.

West Ham had a couple of other opportunities to score – Craig Dawson also heading against the post in the first half before Jarrod Bowen blazed over late on after rounding Rapid’s goalkeeper – before Benrahma wrapped up the three points with a cool finish late on.

They also saw a penalty, awarded against Ben Johnson, overturned by VAR, with replays clearly showing that the young defender had made no contact with Marco Grull.

Here’s how West Ham’s players rated on the night…

FBL-EUR-C3-WEST HAM-VIENNAFBL-EUR-C3-WEST HAM-VIENNA

Issa Diop was cautioned for West Ham / SAM MELLISH/Getty Images

Alphonse Areola (GK) – 6/10 – A spectator for the most part, but was switched on and alert when he needed to be.

Ben Johnson (RB) – 6/10 – Back on the right side of defence after his recent secondment to the opposite flank. Had a penalty shout against him overturned midway through the second half and generally did well.

Craig Dawson (CB) – 7/10 – Looked like he was going to score at every single set piece. Rattled the post when he really should have scored, but more importantly looked assured in defence.

Issa Diop (CB) – 6/10 – Picked up a clumsy booking in the second half, having had little to do in the first hour. Showed good concentration as Rapid grew into the game.

Aaron Cresswell (LB) – 6/10 – Set piece delivery was on point as ever, though Rapid’s low block prevented Cresswell from making many overlapping runs.

Declan RiceDeclan Rice

Rice is adding goals to his game / Justin Setterfield/Getty Images

Declan Rice (CM) – 8/10 – Made a fantastic bursting run from midfield to open the scoring; further evidence that he’s got more to his game than sitting in the anchor role.

Mark Noble (CM) – 6/10 – A competent hour from West Ham’s captain in midfield, albeit against an opposition who posed him little threat.

Nikola Vlasic (AM) – 6/10 – Bright in patches but wasn’t really able to stamp his authority on the game. Shields the ball well and worked hard.

Michail AntonioMichail Antonio

Antonio was given an hour up front / Julian Finney/Getty Images

Andriy Yarmolenko (RW) – 6/10 – Made a slow start but played a delicious ball into Antonio, which in turn led to the opening goal. Faded thereafter.

Michail Antonio (ST) – 7/10 – A threat as ever, running the channels as well as pulling onto the shoulder of both central defenders. Showed composure for the assist before taking a breather on the hour.

Said Benrahma (LW) – 7/10 – Direct and always looking to run with the ball. Scored a last-gasp goal to wrap up the win.

Manuel Lanzini (CM) – 6/10 – Given half an hour by Moyes but failed to grasp his opportunity to impress.

Tomas Soucek (CM) – 6/10 – Slotted in alongside Rice to provide solidity. Was needed too as Rapid began to see more of the ball.

Jarrod Bowen (ST) – 6/10 – Did the hard work rounding the goalkeeper before blazing over from close range. A late assist for Benrahma’s goal.

Pablo Fornals (LW) – 6/10 – Lively as ever during his 15 minute cameo.

For more from Toby Cudworth, follow him on Twitter!