UEFA Europa League: Genk vs West Ham United player ratings as the game ends in a stalemate

The first half was dominated by the Belgium side, Genk. The Belgian side dominated possession throughout the first half and looked the more threatening side throughout the first 45 mins. The Belgian side scored an early goal and took the lead quite early via Joseph Paintsil who was set up brilliantly by the Japanese winger, Junya Ito. Apart from the early goal, Genk showed no signs of slowing down by creating several chances throughout the first half. Areola was tested several times throughout the first half.

West Ham looked more dominant in the second half. By having more shots on target and making most of their chances, the English side looked more dominant although Genk did create some good chances, all in all, it was West Ham that looked more dominant on and off the ball in the second half. Said Benrahma bagged a brace which should have been enough to steer the Irons home but an own goal by a substitute, Tomas Soucek resulting due to a lethal cross by Genk’s 87th min. substitute in Angelo Preciado broke the resolve of the Irons who despite a commendable, rejuvenated performance in the second half, had to settle for a draw.

Genk

Maarten Vandevoordt (7/10): Genk’s goalkeeper looked extremely solid at the back. He saved several shots on target including shots from Coufal, Dawson, and Benrahma in the first half (which he saved with the left leg in a 1V1 situation). Though he let in two goals by being nutmegged via Benrahma, he still was quite impressive as he kept his side in the game by making some note-worthy saves.

Gerardo Arteaga (5/10): He looked pretty decent at the flanks although he did make some schoolboy errors.

Jhon Lucumi (6/10): Lucumi did look quite solid at the back. He did make some key tackles although was easily beaten by Benrahma when he bagged his second goal.

Mujaid Sadick (5/10): Sadick was pretty decent at the back although he could have improved on his key defensive actions throughout the 90 mins that he was on the pitch.

Daniel Munoz (6/10): Munoz looked quite threatening especially in the first half when he was testing the West Ham defenders’ resolve with tricky crosses into the final third.

Patrik Hrosovsky (6/10): He was quite sharp on the field and made quite a lot of key tackles and interceptions throughout the match and looked solid in the mid-field.

Kristian Thorstvedt (7/10): He played quite a crucial role in his team’s dominance especially in the mid-field area where he made some key progressive passes and tested West Ham’s defence on quite a number of occasions. He was quite impressive on the night.

Joseph Paintsil (8/10): He was by far the shining light in Genk’s forward line. He scored Genk’s early goal and gave them the lead and also created several key chances for his side. Most notable of all was when he set up his teammate. Ito with a wonderful ball which he could not convert. All in all, he was pretty influential.

Bryan Heynen (7/10): Heynan played a pivotal role in his side’s dominance as he was quite influential throughout the game. He put the ball into some key areas and took some promising shots as well.

Junya Ito (7/10): Ito played well. He was responsible for setting up Pantsil’s early goal and took some key shots on target. He also showed resolve and determination by staying on the field despite being injured. Fair play to him.

Paul Onuachu (6/10): Paul was quite decent. He made some key passes and created quite a few promising chances. He also tested Areola in West Ham’s goal on quite a number of occasions.

SUBSTITUTES-

Ugbo (N/A)

Preciado (N/A): He did not do much to merit a rating but was responsible for Soucek’s error which led to his own goal.

Oyen (N/A)

West Ham United

Alphonse Areola (6/10): Areola was quite average. He did make some key saves though he could have done much better.

Vladimir Coufal (6/10): Coufal looked quite decent on the night as he put in some key crosses into the final third and also took quite a few shots.

Craig Dawson (7/10): Dawson looked defensively solid at the back. He made some key tackles and interceptions and also tested the other goalkeeper quite a few times.

Issa Diop (5/10): Diop was quite average on the night. He did play well although he could have done better.

Aaron Cresswell (7/10): Cresswell looked as promising as ever by providing some key crosses into the final third and also assisting Benrahma’s second goal of the night.

Mark Noble (6/10): Mark Noble looked solid at the heart of West Ham’s defence and made some key tackles and interceptions which helped his side greatly.

Declan Rice (6/10): Rice proved useful in the mid-field. Made some key passes,

Said Benrahma (8/10): Benrahma bagged a brace on the night and was excellent. Played extremely well throughout.

Lanzini (6/10): Lanzini created some brilliant chances and made a lot of progressive passes.

Masuaku (7/10); Masuaku looked excellent well as he tested the defenders and ran the mid-field well and created some amazing chances.

Antonio (6/10): Antonio’s work rate on the night was quite commendable.

Substitutes

Kral (N/A)

Soucek (N/A): His own goal was poor.

Bowen (4/10): Not many touches on the ball but did look promising.

Fornals (N/A)

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