West Ham player ratings vs Doncaster: Oladapo Afolayan caps fine day for academy, Mark Noble leads by example

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Jack Rosser @JackRosser_23 January 2021

West Ham cruised into the fifth round of the FA Cup after making easy work of League One Doncaster.

Pablo Fornals scored in the second minute to get the Hammers off to a flying start before Andriy Yarmolenko doubled the lead.

An own goal from Doncaster’s Andy Butler put the game beyond doubt before Oladapo Afolayan capped a fine day for the academy with a goal on his debut to round off the day.

Here is how Jack Rosser rated the Hammers...

Lukasz Fabianski 6

In the side after Darren Randoplh picked up a knock. Had little to do but dealt with anything which came his way.

Ryan Fredericks 7

Showed brilliant pace and awareness to get in behind and set up Fornals early on, helped get the Hammers off to a flying start.

Issa Diop 6

Hardly troubled at the back and a solid outing after so long on the fringes of the side. Encouraging for the Frenchman.

Fabian Balbuena 6

Hardly put a foot wrong and when he did was sharp enough to recover and cover himself.

Ben Johnson 6

Caught out a couple of times but shows a lot of creativity and confidence despite playing on the opposite flank to his natural position.

Mark Noble 7

Plays every game as if it is a cup final. Influence in the Premier League may be lessened this season but still giving everything when he gets a chance.

Tomas Soucek 7

Surprised to see the Czech start after looking a little tired recently but a good outing - almost scored an absolute stunner on the volley from range.

Pablo Fornals 7

Took his early goal very well and was impressive going forward throughout.

Manuel Lanzini 6

Not an eye-catching performance but showed energy and endeavour. Should have scored at the near post in the first half.

Said Benrahma 7

His best game in a West Ham shirt yet. Made things happen going forward and did well to play through Yarmolenko for his goal - just needs one of his own now.

Andriy Yarmolenko 7

Fine finish and led the line well with Antonio getting a rest. Might struggle against Premier League defenders in that role but did all that was asked today.

Substitutes

Oladapo Afolayan 8

The forward’s debut goal capped a wonderful day for the academy. Good awareness to time his run and tap home from Fredericks’s saved shot. Slotted in well in a role deeper than he is used to.

Nathan Trott n/a

Jamal Baptiste n/a

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