Yahoo Finance West Ham player ratings vs Leeds: Craig Dawson excels as Jesse Lingard shines again
Dawson has hit new heights this season
(Getty Images)West Ham moved back into the European places and two points off the top four with victory over Leeds United.
Leeds were close to being two up inside the opening ten minutes after a frantic start from the Hammers. Tyler Roberts and Patrick Bamford both saw goals disallowed with West Ham all at sea.
The hosts settled themselves and started to make strides forward. Jesse Lingard has brought a new dimension in attack and made an excellent driving run after exchanging passes with Said Benrahma to win a penalty. The Manchester United loanee stepped up for the spot kick, saw it saved but raced on to the loose ball to tap home his fourth goal since moving to London.
West Ham were in control now and forcing mistakes from their visitors. Leeds have been susceptible at set pieces all season - conceding twice from them in the reverse fixture of this game - and were punished again here. Aaron Cresswell swung a menacing corner to the far post where, almost unchallenged, Craig Dawson headed home his fourth of the season.
Leeds largely controlled the second half with the Hammers defending well and being let off on a couple of occasions by Bamford.
Here is how Jack Rosser rated the Hammers against Leeds...
Lukasz Fabianski 8
Returned from injury and pulled off some remarkable saves in the second half to protect the clean sheet.
Vladimir Coufal 7
Leeds had very little down West Ham’s right all night. Another top notch show from Coufal.
Craig Dawson 9
Another goal for the man who has hit new heights in the Hammers back line this season. No nonsense as ever at the back and threw in a late clearance off the line.
Issa Diop 6
Lost track of Bamford a few times at the back and fortunate not to be punished. Stepped up well to prevent Leeds breaking on a few occasions.
Aaron Cresswell 8
Solid enough at the back but his attacking play stole the show again. Brilliant cross from the corner for Dawson’s goal.
Declan Rice 8
Played a vital role in calming things down after the frantic start. Controlled Leeds well and composed on the ball again.
Tomas Soucek 7
Covered every blade and almost took down the goal when crashing into the post. Plays such an important role alongside Rice.
Pablo Fornals 7
Never stopped running and played a vital role in preventing Leeds from causing too many problems. Almost scored a goal of the season contender when hitting the bar from nearly 30 yards.
Jesse Lingard 8
Brings so much energy and creativity going forward. Did well to ensure his saved penalty was immediately tucked away.
Said Benrahma 7
Desperately wants that goal. Did well getting West Ham up the pitch and linked well with Lingard again but can’t find that finishing touch.
Michail Antonio 7
Had little in the way of chances in front of goal but consistently occupied the Leeds back line and never stopped looking to help those around him.
Substitutes
Jarrod Bowen n/a
Ben Johnson n/a
Subs not used: Balbuena, Lanzini, Noble, Martin, Trott, Odubeko
