Christian Pulisic’s 90th minute goal dented West Ham’s hopes of a top six finish after David Moyes’s Europa League gamble.
The Hammers manager rested Declan Rice, Michail Antonio and Jarrod Bowen ahead of Thursday’s semi-final with Eintracht Frankfurt. It almost worked too until, after Craig Dawson’s late red card, Chelsea were finally able to cut through West Ham.
Dawson, West Ham’s only fit central defender, made a number of decisive blocks as Chelsea toiled to find a way through.
The Hammers defender resorted to pulling Romelu Lukaku’s arm back in the penalty area in the closing minutes. Dawson was shown a red card for doing so but Jorginho fluffed his lines over the penalty, allowing Lukasz Fabianski to save.
Fabianski had saved the day there but could do little when, without Dawson at the back, Marcos Alonso was able to race down the left and pull a cross back for Pulisic, who finished first time.
Here is how Jack Rosser rated the Hammers…
Lukasz Fabianski 8
Made what looked to be a decisive penalty save from Jorginho and commanded his box well. Could do little about the late winner.
Ben Johnson 7
Did not look out of place in a back three - good practice for Thursday.
Craig Dawson 7
Made a string of outstanding blocks from N’Golo Kante, Timo Werner and Mason Mount. Superb performance undermined by one mistake.
Aaron Cresswell 8
Solid at the back as he resumed his role on the left side of a back three. Covered well for
Vladimir Coufal 6
Worked tirelessly down the right but gave Alonso too much room to cross for the goal.
Tomas Soucek 7
Battled to the end in midfield, putting his body on the line at times.
Mark Noble 7
Kept the Chelsea midfield at arm’s length for the most part. Fine performance on his final appearance at the Bridge.
Arthur Masuaku 6
Didn’t do too much wrong following his recall to the side but Ruben Loftus-Cheek often found space down his side.
Said Benrahma 6
Tireless off the ball throughout and harried the Chelsea defence but wasteful in possession.
Pablo Fornals 7
Led the line at times and covered almost every blade of grass to keep Chelsea at bay.
Andriy Yarmolenko 6
Led the line well enough while isolated. Forced a double save from Edouard Mendy shortly before being replaced.
Substitutes
Declan Rice 6
Stepped into the back line after Dawson’s red but couldn’t get to Pulisic in time to stop him.
Jarrod Bowen n/a
Manuel Lanzini n/a
