Player Ratings: Four West Ham Stars Under Pressure Following Forest Match

James

3 min read

Post on May 18, 2025

4.7

Share

Player Ratings: Four West Ham Stars Under Pressure Following Forest Match

West Ham United's frustrating 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest has left several players facing intense scrutiny. While the Hammers salvaged a point at the City Ground, the performance left much to be desired, raising serious questions about the form of some key players. Let's delve into the individual performances and assess which four stars are now under significant pressure.

A Disappointing Display: The Low Points of the Forest Game

The match against Forest highlighted several weaknesses in the West Ham squad. A lack of cutting edge in attack, defensive vulnerabilities, and a general lack of cohesion plagued Moyes' men throughout the encounter. While the late equalizer offered a small crumb of comfort, the overall display was far from convincing, leaving many fans feeling uneasy about the team's prospects. The performance sparked intense debate amongst supporters and pundits alike, focusing on the individual contributions – or lack thereof – of several key players.

The Four Under Pressure:

Several players failed to meet expectations, putting their places in the starting XI under threat. Here are four West Ham stars facing the most pressure following the disappointing draw:

• Lucas Paquetá: The Brazilian midfielder, a significant summer signing, has yet to truly ignite at West Ham. Against Forest, his influence was minimal, and he lacked the creativity and dynamism expected of a player of his caliber. He needs to significantly improve his performance levels to justify his price tag and secure his place in the team. [Link to Paqueta's West Ham stats]

• Said Benrahma: Benrahma's inconsistency continues to be a major concern. While capable of moments of brilliance, he often fails to deliver consistent performances. His final ball was lacking against Forest, and his overall contribution was underwhelming. He needs to show more end product to cement his position. [Link to Benrahma's West Ham stats]

• Nayef Aguerd: The Moroccan centre-back had a shaky game against Forest, looking uncertain at times and struggling to deal with the physicality of the opposition's attack. Defensive solidity is crucial, and Aguerd needs to rediscover his form quickly to maintain his starting berth. [Link to Aguerd's West Ham stats]

• Kurt Zouma: Partnering Aguerd at the heart of the defence, Zouma also had a below-par performance. He appeared slow at times and failed to command the area effectively. Competition for places in the West Ham defence is fierce, and Zouma will need to significantly improve to keep his place. [Link to Zouma's West Ham stats]

What's Next for West Ham?

The international break provides a much-needed respite, but the pressure remains on these four players to perform when Premier League action resumes. Manager David Moyes will be closely monitoring their form and will undoubtedly make changes if necessary. The coming weeks are crucial for these players to prove their worth and regain the confidence of the manager and the fans.

Looking Ahead: The Road to Improvement

The draw against Forest serves as a wake-up call for West Ham. The team needs to improve its overall performance, particularly in the final third. The players mentioned above need to step up and demonstrate the quality they possess. Failure to do so could see them replaced in the starting lineup, prompting a reshuffle of Moyes' strategy. The upcoming fixtures will be vital in determining the fate of these players and the direction of West Ham's season. The Hammers need to find their form quickly to avoid slipping down the table.

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the performances of these West Ham players? Share your opinions in the comments below!