West Ham 3-1 Manchester United: 5 Hits and Flops

#4 Hit: Pablo Zabaleta

Dependable defensive shift: Zabaleta (no.5) worked hard to thwart the likes of Martial many chances here

Pablo Zabaleta, 33, was the oldest outfield player involved in either side's matchday squads today. While Ashley Young - five months his junior - struggled on the opposite side, the experienced Argentine relished the challenge of facing United's attackers and passed the test with flying colours.

He completed three tackles, one interception and clearance as well as two blocked shots during the 90 minutes. Although his involvement in Anderson's opener was questionable, given he was offside, the delivery fizzed across the box was inch-perfect for the Brazilian to flick home from close-range and provided the hosts ample momentum to push forward with more intent as the match progressed.

Last season, many critics were quick to target Zabaleta as one of West Ham's numerous defensive problems. Too slow, error-prone and on the decline, they said. Under new management and alongside new acquisitions in the backline under Manuel Pellegrini, what has changed then?