It's down to the diehards for this dead rubber, with just Matt, Lisa, Nigel and Fraser representing our contingent in the Billy Bonds Stand. The Irons were always likely to lose after naming a side of kids and veterans. The new back line of Ashby, Baptiste, Alese and Longelo actually did pretty well in the circumstances, though 17-year old Sonny Perkins was isolated in the lone striker role. Ashby showed aggression and fired onto the roof of the net while Alese had a good game at centre back.
Zagreb took an early lead with a tremendous shot from Orsic, firing into the top corner from almost the same position that Arthur Masuaku scored against Chelsea. Dinamo missed a few more chances and Areola made some good saves but at least the Hammers kept in the game.
It was disappointing from the senior players though. Noble and Benrahma took a series of poor corners, Vlasic worked hard but didn't produce any real moments of flair, Kral was solid but didn't get forward in the way Rice can and too often opted for the safe ball, while Yarmolenko looked anything but a top international. Late on Moyes brought on even more debutants, Freddie Potts, son of Steve, and Keenan Forsan. West Ham's only real efforts were a Benrahma free kick fired at the keeper and a late half-chance for Alese.
A great night for the kids, but not too much else to be learned from this beyond the fact that our squad lacks depth. At least the first team should now be rested for Burnley and this was a credible effort by the youngsters.
PLAYER RATINGS: Areola 7; Ashby 6, Alese 7, Baptiste 6, Longelo 6; Kral 6, Noble 5, Fornals 5 (Benrahma 6), Vlasic 5, Yarmolenko 4; Perkins 5.
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