West Ham United lost 2-0 at home to Liverpool in Sunday’s Premier League kick-off with Alexander Isak and Cody Gakpo scoring in the second-half.
Here is how Hammers News rated Nuno Espirito Santo’s players.
23. Alphonse Areola – 7/10 Man of the Match
West Ham United goalkeeper Areola was ‘incredible’ against Bournemouth and again frustrated the opposition here as he kept the scoreline down.
Nothing he could do about Isak’s opener. Areola had denied the Liverpool record signing with a fine reaction stop earlier in the piece. Also bailed out Aaron Wan-Bissaka a couple of times in the opening 45.
Helpless for Gakpo’s stoppage-time decider too.
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29. Aaron Wan-Bissaka – 6/10
A funny old performance from the right-back. Twice, Wan-Bissaka needed Areola’s assistance after failing to deal with a high ball. Made a real mess of one clearance, and was fortunate that Florian Wirtz remains as toothless as ever.
Wan-Bissaka did look like a rare outlet going forwards at times though. Some nice link-up with Bowen and Paqueta.
15. Konstantinos Mavropanos – 6/10
For the vast majority of the afternoon, Mavropanos justified his inclusion ahead of Max Kilman. Some timely interceptions and a handful of impressive clearances as West Ham frustrated a dominant Liverpool side until Isak’s opener.
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But, as is often the case, Mavropanos let himself down with an unforced error. Charged out and completely missed his header as Gakpo sealed the win.
25. Jean-Clair Todibo – 6/10
Todibo produced arguably his best West Ham performance last time out. There would be no heroics this time, even if the Frenchman could not be faulted for either of Liverpool’s goals.
12. El Hadji Malick Diouf – 5/10
A typical Nuno-era Diouf performance from a left-back whose excellent early start to life in the Premier League has given way to a bit of a malaise. After three assists in five under Graham Potter, it is none in seven under Nuno.
Lacked quality going forward and was rash at times at the other end.
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27. Soungoutou Magassa 4/10
Magassa was heavily linked with Napoli this week yet was picked to start only a third Premier League game here, with Nuno showing faith in the August addition.
Not for the first time, the £14 million summer signing from Monaco appeared to find the pace of English football really tough going at times. Magassa gave the ball away needlessly in the first half and also struggled with the movement of Florian Wirtz and co in behind him. The France Under-21 ace may feel he could have blocked Cody Gakpo’s pull back for Alexander Isak’s goal too.
Extremely lucky not to give away a dangerous free kick for a desperate lunge on Ryan Gravenberch in the opening 45 but, ironically enough, was booked for a fine challenge on Dominik Szoboszlai before being taken off.
Replaced by Luis Guilherme on 67 minutes.
32. Freddie Potts – 6/10
Not at his most effective. Potts was typically tenacious out of possession and tried to make things happen when he did get the ball, even dropping between the centre-halves to help with the build-up.
A few crosses into the box lacked quality though, and he could not prevent Liverpool from cutting through at will.
Replaced by Tomas Soucek on 87 minutes.
Lucas Paqueta sent off for West Ham United
Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images
18. Mateus Fernandes – 5/10
Mateus Fernandes may have been West Ham’s best hope for a first Premier League victory over Liverpool in 2021. As it was, the Portugal Under-21 captain was nowhere near as involved or influential as hoped.
He seems far more effective when playing deeper, when he can drive forwards through the thirds. Starting in a more attacking role ahead of Magassa and Potts, Fernandes barely had a notable kick in an attacking sense.
20. Jarrod Bowen – 6/10
West Ham’s best chance, perhaps their only chance, fell to the captain moments before Gakpo sealed the three points for Liverpool. He rattled a trademark curling shot just wide, as his goal drought extends to a seventh match.
Former Hammers goalkeeper Rob Green felt Bowen struggled to really involve himself, particularly during the first-half, partly because of Nuno’s reactive tactics.
10. Lucas Paqueta – 5/10
The Brazilian was actually one of West Ham’s better performers, but that ludicrous red card late on will overshadow his afternoon. Lucas Paqueta returned from suspension after missing the draw at Bournemouth, and another pair of yellow cards means he will be out again vs Manchester United on Thursday.
Until that meltdown, Paqueta actually looked full of confidence and ideas, setting Wan-Bissaka and Callum Wilson away with some fine through balls in the first-half. Tried one outrageous volley which would have made even Paolo Di Canio’s best efforts look pedestrian.
West Ham remembers Billy Bonds
It is with deep sadness and the heaviest of hearts that West Ham United announces the passing this morning of legendary player, coach and manager, Billy Bonds MBE.
Rest in peace Billy, our courageous, inspirational, lion-hearted leader.
— West Ham United (@WestHam) November 30, 2025
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9. Callum Wilson – 4/10
Veteran poacher Callum Wilson made Premier League history with a brace at Bournemouth last week. There was never any hint of a repeat here. Barely involved and completely starved of service.
Replaced by Niclas Fullkrug on 78 minutes
Substitutes
17. Luis Guilherme – 5/10
Did bring a nuisance factor to proceedings. Guilherme went on a couple of runs, as he at least offered some dynamism and speed.
11. Niclas Fullkrug – 4/10
Did well to get a header in seconds after coming on, albeit Paqueta was offside in the build-up.
28. Tomas Soucek – N/A
On too late to make an impact.
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