London rivals West Ham United and Chelsea are set to clash in a highly anticipated Premier League match this Sunday, both vying for their first win of the new season. West Ham finds itself in a transitional phase, needing to rebuild after the departure of Declan Rice for a British record fee.
Their performance against Bournemouth last weekend left them with a point, as they initially dominated the game but allowed their opponents to level the score. This points to a team still finding its rhythm. David Moyes’ team faced setbacks during the summer transfer window, notably with the collapse of a move for Harry Maguire due to wage demands.
While they have made a couple of promising additions, more reinforcements are expected to arrive soon.
In contrast, Chelsea, under new manager Mauricio Pochettino, started their season with a promising 1-1 draw against Liverpool. The Blues started slowly but gained momentum as the match progressed, and a strong second-half performance could have earned them more than a single point. You may also read Uncertain Future for Trey Lance as 49ers Make Backup Quarterback Decision.
Unlike West Ham, Chelsea is well-equipped with reinforcements. Young talents Romeo Lavia and Moises Caicedo have bolstered their midfield, adding to the array of options alongside Enzo Fernandez.
Chelsea’s numerous new signings have raised expectations for a quick start to the season. Their goal is to secure a positive result against West Ham, capitalizing on the wealth of fresh talent they’ve acquired.
Now, let’s delve into the player performances from West Ham’s perspective:
- Alphonse Areola (8/10): Overcame his penalty-saving record to make a crucial stop against Fernandez, keeping the Hammers level. His fantastic save in stoppage time preserved the draw.
- Vladimir Coufal (6/10): While he slipped early on, his determination remained evident, though he lacked precision on the ball.
- Kurt Zouma (6/10): After a shaky start, he improved and contributed positively, despite a poor clearance leading to an equalizing goal.
- Nayef Aguerd (5/10): Opened the scoring with a header but struggled with bookings and eventually received a red card, leaving his team with ten players.
- Emerson (6/10): Initially vulnerable against Sterling, he improved as the match progressed and won a late penalty.
- James Ward-Prowse (8/10): His debut was impressive, setting up the opener with a trademark set-piece delivery and contributing effectively.
- Tomas Soucek (7/10): While he had difficulty asserting himself in the midfield, he made crucial defensive interventions.
- Lucas Paqueta (7/10): Quiet in the first half, he showed resilience despite facing personal challenges. His involvement led to the winning penalty.
Chelsea’s Key Players
- Raheem Sterling: A standout performer with Chelsea, he scored six goals in 28 league games last season.
- Conor Gallagher: Contributed three goals in 36 league games last season and is expected to play a significant role.
West Ham’s Key Players
- Jarrod Bowen: Scored six goals in the previous season and is a key figure in West Ham’s attack.
- Said Benrahma: With six goals and strong playmaking abilities, he’s a crucial asset in the team’s lineup.
The upcoming fixtures for both teams
Chelsea’s Schedule
- Liverpool (D 1-1, Home)
- West Ham (Away)
- Luton Town (Home)
- Nottingham Forest (Home)
- Bournemouth (Away)
West Ham’s Schedule
- Bournemouth (D 1-1, Away)
- Chelsea (Home)
- Brighton (Away)
- Luton Town (Away)
- Manchester City (Home)
Stay tuned for what promises to be an exciting encounter between West Ham and Chelsea, as both teams seek to kick-start their campaign with a victory.
