West Ham player ratings vs Sheffield United: Tomas Soucek a man reborn with newfound freedom

Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen were the stars of the show as West Ham beat Sheffield United on Saturday.

Both players were on the scoresheet in a fairly regulatory 2-0 win for the Hammers.

Here’s how David Moyes’ side rated at the London Stadium...

Alphonse Areola 6

One sharp save in the second half but otherwise had his most comfortable afternoon since becoming first-choice.

Vladimir Coufal 7

Revitalised as an attacking threat, laid on Bowen’s opener for a third assist in as many Premier League matches.

Kurt Zouma 6

A comfortable afternoon, though bailed out by Nayef Aguerd’s early block when Cameron Archer wriggled free.

Nayef Aguerd 7

Under pressure after recent errors but made a fine early block to deny Archer with scores still level. Also saw header cleared off line by Luke Thomas.

Emerson 7

In brilliantly to win ball back in build-up to second goal. Decent covering did enough to put Ollie McBurnie off chance.

Edson Alvarez 6

Had nowhere near as much defensive work to do as in recent outings but sheer presence gives other licence. Booked.

Tomas Soucek 8

Continued his recent scoring form, adding a first League goal of the campaign to add to two already in the cups. Thriving on attacking freedom and improved standard of delivery.

James Ward-Prowse 7

Made chance for Bowen with early corner. Every set-piece now feels an event.

Lucas Paqueta 6

A couple of wasteful flicks early in the game that might have been punished by better opposition. One of his quieter showings. Dragged just wide late on.

Jarrod Bowen 8

Is enjoying a wonderful start to the season, making it five goals in seven games. An England recall could well be in the offing.

Michail Antonio 7

Another in good form and laid on Soucek’s goal with powerful build-up play.

Substitutes

Said Benrahma (Alvarez 72’) 6

Tried to catch Wes Foderingham out with curler but save was comfortable.

Mohammed Kudus (Antonio 72’) 6

One brilliant dart through midfield that had crowd on feet in an otherwise sleepy second half. Decent cameo.

Jarrod Bowen (Fornals 90’) N/A

Konstantinos Mavropanos (Paqueta 90’) N/A

Unused: Fabianski, Ogbonna, Kehrer, Cornet, Ings