Match Report – Match Highlights – Post-Match Press Conference
Final Result: Arsenal 0-2 West Ham (Soucek 13?, Mavropanos 55?)
Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Zinchenko (Nelson 64?), Saliba, Gabriel, White; Rice, Odegaard, Trossard (Smith Rowe 79?); Martinelli (Nketiah 64?), Saka, G. Jesus
30 shots, 18 shots inside the box, eight shots on target, five big chances – no goals.
Following the nervy draw against Liverpool, Arsenal had the opportunity to return to the summit of the Premier League when West Ham arrived at the Emirates. Since the 3-0 loss to Brighton last May, Arsenal were unbeaten in 13 home games in all competitions, with 11 wins and two draws.
West Ham drew first blood when Vladimir Coufal launched a Rory Delap throw that was challenged by ex-Gunner, Dinos Mavropanos, but the loose ball fell to James Ward-Prowse that launched his shot to orbit. Arsenal hit back when some intricate passing play on the right hand side between Declan Rice, Ben White and Martin Odegaard, before a pass into space saw Bukayo Saka clean on goal. The Starboy curled his shot goalwards but the effort was saved by West Ham’s goalie, Alphonse Areola.
West Ham opened the scoring in rather comical fashion when Emerson’s cross from Lucas Paqueta’s neat pass cannoned off two Arsenal players and looked to go out of play but Jarrod Bowen managed to cut the ball from the byline to an unmarked Tomas Soucek that side-footed the ball home. It took forever for VAR to confirm whether the ball crossed the line entirely and it was Newcastle at St. James’ Park over again. It was confirmed, much to the chagrin of the Arsenal faithful.
Arsenal continued their onslaught when Gabriel Jesus ghosted from the right flank and dinked a sumptuous chip to Saka but his header was tipped over the bar by Areola. Saka had the biggest chance for the night when Odegaard sent him through with a lovely pass. The English winger evaded his marker and blasted a shot that went past Areola but smashed the post.
Early in the second half, Rice almost scored from the edge of the box but his effort went over the bar. However, Arsenal went two goals down when Ward-Prowse’s corner was headed home by Mavropanos’ of all people. The Greek defender chose not to celebrate but that goal was very deflating.
Arsenal kept probing for a goal, but the chances were few and far between. Jesus had a header that was straight at Areola. Jesus had another chance minutes later that went over the bar. Odegaard had a chance that was tipped wide and things almost went from bad to worse when Rice tackled Emerson in the box for a penalty. Emerson stepped up and fired a shot that was saved by Raya.
It was a shocking performance from the lads and the finishing left a lot to be desired, but the Gunners are just two points off the top of the Premier League, so it’s not all doom and gloom.
All plans go to Fulham and we progress from there.
Sayonara.
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