Adrian Clarke looks at key tactical points and players who can be decisive in Matchweek 34.
Player analysis - Said Benrahma
West Ham United supporters can sometimes get frustrated with Benrahma’s fluctuating performance levels, but the Algerian offers something valuable and different.
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Teasing defenders with his balance and trickery, the 27-year-old is an individual talent who can produce moments of creativity for David Moyes’ side in the blink of an eye.
Facing Crystal Palace on Saturday, a team who boast several flair players of his ilk, Benrahma must win his duel with Joel Ward or Chris Richards and find ways to unlock Roy Hodgson’s well-drilled defence.
A tricky opponent
Benrahma is well known for his skill in 1v1 situations, but this season he has proved he can deliver end product at the end of those mazy dribbles.
Despite making only 20 Premier League starts he is ranked third for chance creating ball carries (CCBC) with 40.
Chances creating ball carries (CCBC)
| Player | CCBC | Mins/CCBC |
|---|---|---|
| Bukayo Saka | 46 | 56.9 |
| Solly March | 41 | 61.4 |
| Said Benrahma | 40 | 42.4 |
| Mohamed Salah | 39 | 66.2 |
| Gabriel Martinelli | 39 | 64.8 |
| Dejan Kulusevski | 39 | 44.3 |
On 24 occasions he has beaten a defender before attempting a shot on goal while the former Brentford star has also teed up 16 chances from successful carries.
Just two behind him on 38 chances from ball carries, Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez is the only Premier League player to fashion a shot or key pass at a faster rate, with one every 39.3 minutes.
Palace looking to avoid a repeat
Four of Benrahma's five Premier League goals this season have come from penalties.
The only strike he has produced from open play came in November, against Palace in a 2-1 home defeat.
Popping up centrally, the Algerian drifted past a defender before fizzing a sweetly struck shot into the back of the net from 22 yards.
That sublime piece of individual magic will ensure the Eagles are wary of his menace at Selhurst Park.
Hodgson will also have noted that Benrahma completed eight successful dribbles against Liverpool on Wednesday during an eye catching 70-minute appearance.
That is a feat which has only been surpassed by one player this season, Palace’s Eberechi Eze with nine against Leeds United.
At times, Benrahma’s defensive work and concentration out of possession can impact the team in a negative sense.
He is prone to switching off and letting runners go on occasion, especially in comparison to Jarrod Bowen on the other flank, who tracks back with great diligence.
Yet it is the Benrahma’s positive influence inside the final third which has persuaded Moyes he is worthy of regular starts this season.
Stats wise, on a per 90 minutes basis, no other Hammers player creates more chances in open play, has more shots, or completes as many dribbles.
Benrahma's attacking stats
| 2022/23 | Total/90 | WHU rank |
|---|---|---|
| Shots | 3.20 | 1st |
| Expected goals | 0.33 | 1st |
| Chances created open play | 2.01 | 1st |
| Dribbles completed | 2.70 | 1st |
| Goals | 0.25 | 2nd |
| Assists | 0.15 | 2nd |
The Hammers, who have edged their way towards top-flight safety in recent matches, will feel confident they can cause problems for the Eagles.
Lucas Paqueta has scored three goals in his last three starts in all competitions, and Bowen impressed against Arsenal, AFC Bournemouth and Liverpool with a goal and an assist.
Adding Benrahma to the mix, Moyes’ trio of attacking midfielders are playing well enough to be an influence in Saturday’s early kick-off.
Adding a vital layer of unpredictability to the West Ham attack, Benrahma could be the matchwinner.
Next: Adrian Clarke on the Sunday matches