Michail Antonio saw red, going from hero to zero, as West Ham United were held to a goalless draw by Southampton at St. Mary’s on Saturday.
In what proved to be a rather drab game, West Ham United played a second successive winless game, as they were held to a goalless draw by Southampton. The Hammers were lacking their usual attacking verve, with Michail Antonio hardly getting into the game.
The game only went from bad to worse late on for the West Ham striker, who was sent off for two bookable offences, with the second yellow card coming courtesy a ridiculous challenge. As for Southampton, they threatened a fair bit, especially towards the end, with Armando Broja hitting the post late on.
The result meant West Ham have now dropped down to sixth on the Premier League table, with new leaders Manchester United two points ahead following their thumping win over Newcastle United. The Hard Tackle now runs the rule over David Moyes’s men.
Lukasz Fabianski: 6/10
A rather straightforward outing for Fabianski, who just had to make a couple of regulation saves to preserve his clean sheet. He must have been dreading the worst when Armando Broja unleashed a fiercely driven shot, before being bailed out by the woodwork.
Vladimir Coufal: 6/10
Much like Aaron Cresswell on the left flank, Coufal was not really at his best on Saturday, especially when he looked to charge forward and create the openings. On top of that, there were some sloppy touches, as he lost the ball as many as 14 times. Did reasonably well defensively, though, making four tackles, two interceptions and a clearance.
Craig Dawson: 7/10
With the threat of Kurt Zouma looming, Dawson has started looking over his shoulders. And that is perhaps one of the reasons why he was so colossal against Southampton. Played a major reason in ensuring Adam Armstrong was quiet for much of the game, as he completed six clearances, a block and two interceptions while winning five duels. Job well done.
Angelo Ogbonna: 6/10
With Che Adams not starting on Saturday, Ogbonna had a better task of defending the threat of the Southampton attack and he kept a check on Natha Redmond rather smartly. Completed three clearances while also winning a couple of duels. Was even reliable with the ball at his feet, losing possession just four times.
Aaron Cresswell: 6/10
An odd outing for Cresswell, who was not as expressive as he can be during the attacking phases but more than held his own defensively, especially when Mohamed Elyounnousi looked to take him on. Won a couple of duels while completing 90 percent of his attempted passes.
Tomas Soucek: 6/10
Soucek endured a hit and miss game, wherein he was largely reliable with the ball at his feet but just was not as imposing a presence in the final third as he can be on his best days. Did put in the hard yards off the ball, though, winning six duels while completing two interceptions, tackles and clearances each.
Declan Rice: 7/10
As is the case more often than not, Rice was a solid customer in the middle of the park for West Ham against Southampton. The English international saw a lot of the ball while being efficient with his usage of the ball, completing 95 percent of his attempted passes. Off the ball, Rice made some big contributions, including a couple of blocks and interceptions. A rare top notch performer for the Hammers.
Jarrod Bowen: 6/10
One of the better performers for West Ham, although his efforts came to naught in the end. Bowen carried a threat from the left flank while some of his carries appeared to be dangerous. However, as the minutes wore on, it became clear that Southampton had become accustomed to his style of play and found it easier to contain him.
Pablo Fornals: 6/10
Deployed on the left flank, Fornals struggled to get into the game and appears to be a better fit in a central position. The Spaniard hardly ever appeared to be a creative option for Moyes, and most of his passes were risk-free instead of ones that could have set Michail Antonio up. Has to do better.
Said Benrahma: 6/10
A game of hits and misses for Benrahma. While the Algerian laid on a couple of key passes, he was just not as effective as he had been ahead of the international break. That he was wasteful when he looked to create the openings, which is something he needs to address going forward.
Michail Antonio: 4/10
Michail Antonio in the Premier League this season:
⚽️?️ vs. Newcastle United
⚽️⚽️?️ vs. Leicester City
⚽️?️ vs. Crystal Palace
? vs. SouthamptonAn FPL nightmare for many. ?♂️ pic.twitter.com/CHLP609dXf
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) September 11, 2021
After a memorable first month of the season, the trip to take on Southampton was one to forget for Antonio. The Premier League Player of the Month for August struggled to get into the game, managing just one shot on target, which was saved rather easily. The kicker, though, came in the form of his late dismissal, with the second yellow coming courtesy a petulant challenge.
SUBSTITUTES
Nikola Vlasic: 6/10
On for Benrahma, Vlasic was efficient in his display, although he could not effect a deadlock-breaking goal. Completed each of his eight attempted passes while even creating a chance.
Andriy Yarmolenko: N/A
A late introduction, Yarmolenko struggled to make an impact in the dying embers of the game.
