Player Ratings: West Ham's Four Worst Performers Against Nottingham Forest

James

3 min read

Post on May 19, 2025

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Player Ratings: West Ham's Four Worst Performers Against Nottingham Forest

West Ham United suffered a disappointing 4-0 defeat at the City Ground against Nottingham Forest, a result leaving many Hammers fans frustrated and questioning individual performances. While the team as a whole struggled, some players significantly underperformed, contributing to the heavy loss. Let's delve into the four worst performers from the match, analyzing their contributions and highlighting areas for improvement.

A Comprehensive Look at the Defeat

The match against Nottingham Forest exposed several weaknesses within the West Ham squad. The lack of attacking threat, coupled with a porous defense, allowed Forest to dominate proceedings. The 4-0 scoreline accurately reflected the disparity in performance levels between the two teams. While the entire team needs to take responsibility, several players stood out for their subpar contributions. This analysis focuses on the individual performances rather than offering general team-based critiques, which have been widely covered elsewhere. For a deeper dive into the tactical aspects of the game, check out [link to a relevant tactical analysis article on a reputable football website].

1. Nayef Aguerd (Rating: 4/10): Defensive Struggles in the Heart of Defence

Aguerd, usually a reliable presence in the West Ham defense, had a game to forget against Forest. He looked uncomfortable throughout the match, struggling to cope with the pace and movement of Forest's attackers. His positioning was often questionable, leading to several opportunities for the opposition. He was also culpable for at least one of the goals conceded, highlighting a lack of concentration and decisive defending. The Moroccan international will need to quickly rediscover his form to help solidify West Ham’s backline.

2. Lucas Paquetá (Rating: 5/10): Lack of Creative Spark in Midfield

Paquetá, often the creative hub of West Ham’s midfield, failed to impact the game as he usually does. He lacked his usual dynamism and struggled to create chances for his teammates. His passing accuracy was below par, and his attempts to influence the game were largely ineffective. The Brazilian international will need to improve his overall performance significantly to contribute effectively in upcoming matches. His usual flair and penetration were sorely missed in the face of a strong Forest midfield.

3. Aaron Cresswell (Rating: 5/10): Defensive frailties and attacking limitations

Cresswell, typically a reliable left-back, had a difficult afternoon defensively. He was consistently beaten by Forest's wingers, failing to provide adequate cover. Furthermore, his attacking contributions were minimal, lacking the usual crosses and incisive passes that he normally delivers. A return to his usual form is imperative if West Ham are to improve their overall performance.

4. Said Benrahma (Rating: 5/10): Invisible Attacking Threat

Benrahma, usually a key attacking outlet for West Ham, was largely ineffective against Forest. He failed to make a significant impact on the game, struggling to create chances and offering little in the way of a goal threat. His dribbling attempts were often unsuccessful, and his decision-making let him down on several occasions. He needs to show more urgency and incisiveness to regain his place in the starting XI.

Looking Ahead:

The heavy defeat against Nottingham Forest serves as a wake-up call for West Ham. The four players highlighted above will need to significantly improve their performances in the coming weeks if the Hammers are to climb the table. Manager David Moyes will undoubtedly be working with these players to address their individual shortcomings and ensure a much-improved performance in subsequent matches. The upcoming fixtures will be crucial in determining West Ham's season trajectory. What are your thoughts on the individual performances? Let us know in the comments below!