In a turn of events, West Ham United outshone Arsenal with a 2-0 win, marking their third consecutive Premier League success and hindering Arsenal’s quest for the top spot.
West Ham showcased a clinical performance, effectively utilizing two of their three shots on goal. Conversely, Arsenal missed numerous chances, failing to secure a lead in the league standings.
Tomas Soucek’s goal, assisted by Jarrod Bowen, raised questions as the ball might have crossed the line before the assist, but the video assistant referee found no conclusive evidence to disallow it.
The Hammers’ lead was further solidified in the second half when Konstantinos Mavropanos, an ex-Arsenal defender, skillfully headed in a corner at the 55th minute.
Arsenal, despite maintaining control and applying pressure, couldn’t muster a comeback.
Adding to Arsenal’s dismal evening, Declan Rice’s penalty concession in injury time’s final minute was neutralized by David Raya, who saved Said Benrahma’s shot.
The outcome positions Arsenal second, trailing Liverpool by two points, while West Ham achieves a record 33 points at this season’s midpoint.
Arsenal Misses Key Opportunity
Arsenal’s inability to translate their control and possession into goals was their downfall.
The team’s growing frustration was palpable, both among players and fans at the Emirates Stadium, as they watched chance after chance go unutilized. Notable misses included Bukayo Saka hitting the post, Gabriel Martinelli shooting wide, and Gabriel Jesus heading over the bar.
Rice, now playing for Arsenal, had his own missed opportunity, and West Ham’s goalkeeper Alphonse Areola successfully thwarted attempts by Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard.
In sharp contrast, West Ham defended valiantly, withstanding Arsenal’s relentless attacks.
Arsenal’s lack of finishing precision might be costly in the tightly contested Premier League, where the top five teams are separated by just six points.
West Ham Enjoys Festive Success
December has been fruitful for West Ham, with wins including a notable triumph over Manchester United. They currently sit sixth, a promising position for European competition contention.
Even after the departure of Rice to Arsenal, West Ham has demonstrated growth and resilience, achieving their highest point tally at this stage in a Premier League season.
Concerns, however, loom over Lucas Paqueta’s injury, as the Brazilian midfielder had to leave the field early, already showing discomfort in the pre-match warm-up.
Player Ratings
Fans are invited to rate Arsenal and West Ham players out of 10. The rating scale ranges from 1 (“Give it up”) to 10 (“Pure perfection”). Player performance scores include David Raya (3.69), Ben White (3.98), William Saliba (4.38), and others, reflecting the mixed reactions to individual performances during the match.
The match statistics further highlight the disparity between the teams, with Arsenal dominating possession (74%) and attempts (30 shots) but failing to capitalize on these advantages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Arsenal West Ham Match Review
What was the score in the Arsenal vs West Ham Premier League match?
West Ham United defeated Arsenal with a score of 2-0.
Who scored for West Ham in their victory over Arsenal?
Tomas Soucek and Konstantinos Mavropanos scored for West Ham in their 2-0 win against Arsenal.
What was the consequence of Arsenal’s loss to West Ham?
The loss prevented Arsenal from moving to the top of the Premier League table, leaving them in second place, two points behind Liverpool.
How did West Ham perform in their match against Arsenal?
West Ham displayed a clinical performance, efficiently converting their opportunities and showcasing strong defense against Arsenal’s attacks.
Did Arsenal have opportunities to score in the match against West Ham?
Yes, Arsenal had numerous chances to score, including attempts by Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Gabriel Jesus, but failed to convert these opportunities into goals.
What was significant about Declan Rice in the Arsenal vs West Ham match?
Declan Rice, a former West Ham captain who joined Arsenal, conceded a penalty in the final minute of injury time, but it was saved by Arsenal’s goalkeeper David Raya.
What does this result mean for West Ham in the Premier League standings?
Following their victory over Arsenal, West Ham reached a total of 33 points, their highest at the halfway stage in a Premier League campaign, positioning them well for European qualification.
More about Arsenal West Ham Match Review
- Premier League Standings
- West Ham United Official Website
- Arsenal FC News and Updates
- Match Highlights: Arsenal vs West Ham
- Premier League Match Analysis and Statistics
- Player Performance Ratings: Arsenal vs West Ham
4 comments
Interesting how West Ham’s defense was rock solid against Arsenal’s attack, really shows how unpredictable the Premier League can be.
wow, Arsenal really missed a golden chance to go top, can’t believe they let West Ham walk away with a win like that!
Disappointing game for the Gunners, we need to up our game if we’re aiming for the title, too many missed chances.
Declan Rice giving away a penalty in the last minute, talk about drama! lucky for us Raya saved the day.