West Ham made a huge Champions League statement as their win over Leicester moved them to within a point of the third-placed Foxes.

Having struggled to cause Leicester problems for the first half an hour, West Ham suddenly came to life. Arthur Masuaku showed quick feet to move in behind and swing a cross over. The full-back’s cross ran to Vladimir Coufal, who cut back for Lingard to send a fine first-time curling effort past Kasper Schmeichel.

Jarrod Bowen’s pace was always going to prove a threat on the break and so it proved for the second. The forward raced away from the Leicester back line to latch onto a long ball from Issa Diop, Schmeichel raced out to stop him allowing Bowen to cut across for Lingard to finish into an open net.

Lingard was involved once more as Bowen made it three with his third goal in as many games. Masuaku pounced on a loose ball, fed Lingard who in turn found Tomas Soucek - the Czech playing in Bowen to finish low at the near post.

Leicester rallied briefly after Diop had seen a goal rightly ruled out for offside by the VAR and managed to pull one back through Kelechi Iheanacho, teed up after Masuaku was caught out on the ball. The Leicester striker added a second for the visitors in the first of six minutes added time but the Hammers just held on to move back into the top four.

Here is how Jack Rosser rated the Hammers...

Lukasz Fabianski 6

Didn’t have too much to do outside of the goal. Did well to deny Ricardo Pereira with ten minutes to play.

Vladimir Coufal 7

One of his best games for a while, doing well to tee up Lingard and keeping Leicester rather muted down his side.

Issa Diop 7

Strong showing from Diop, making an impact going forward with his ball over the top for the second and keeping on top of things at the back.

Craig Dawson 6

A couple of shaky moments at the back early on but largely another no nonsense display from the former Watford man.

Aaron Cresswell 7

Wonderfully composed at the back once more, covered well for Masuaku when he went forward. Will be a significant loss if the injury which forced him off is serious.

Arthur Masuaku 7

Still working back from injury but sharp going forward and played a role in the first and third goals. Decision making in his own half could improve, far too sloppy when robbed in the build up to Leicester’s goal.

Mark Noble 7

Another impressive outing for the West Ham captain. Tidied things up well in midfield.

Tomas Soucek 8

Another commanding performance in midfield. Made himself a nuisance for Leicester and showed good vision to tee up Bowen for his goal.

Pablo Fornals 7

Just never stops running, Could have had a second goal in as many games if those around him had put better balls through on the break.

Jesse Lingard 9

Almost unplayable once again. With England manager Gareth Southgate watching on, Lingard ran the show and made it eight goals in nine games for the Hammers.

Jarrod Bowen 8

Stepped in for Michail Antonio and did so wonderfully with a goal and assist.

Substitutes

Fabian Balbuena 6

Slotted into the back three well after Cresswell was forced off injured.

Ben Johnson n/a

Said Benrahma n/a

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