West Ham hosted league leaders Arsenal at the London Stadium, with the Irons looking to build on last weekend’s win against Fulham. Meanwhile, Arsenal were looking to bounce back following dropped points at Anfield last weekend.
WHU: Fabianski; Coufal, Zouma, Kehrer, Cresswell; Soucek, Rice; Benrahma, Paqueta, Bowen; Antonio
ARS: Ramsdale; White, Gabriel, Holding, Tierney; Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard; Saka, Jesus, Martinelli
Arsenal started the game at the London Stadium on the front foot immediately, as Gabriel Jesus put the Gunners in front. Some intricate football around the edge of the West Ham box found Ben White, who placed a beautiful pass straight to the feet of Jesus – and the Brazilian simply couldn’t miss.
One soon became two for Arsenal, and this time the goal came courtesy of Martin Odegaard. The Norwegian was found at the back post with a wonderfully placed cross from Gabriel Martinelli, leaving West Ham in shock.
West Ham gradually start to get more and more of the ball, and after a loose ball at the back was jumped on by Declan Rice, the hosts found their way back into the game. The English midfielder played Lucas Paqueta in on goal, who was brought down by Gabriel Magalhaes in the penalty area. The subsequent penalty was finished expertly by Said Benrahma – the Algerian smashing it into the bottom corner.
West Ham had their tails up going in at the break, but still found themselves 2-1 down, something David Moyes would want to change. At the start of the second half, West Ham gave away an early penalty as Michail Antonio handled the ball from an Arsenal corner. Bukayo Saka stepped up to take the penalty, however the winger smashed his effort wide – giving the Irons a lifeline.
There was an instant reply from West Ham, who found an equalizer through Jarrod Bowen. Found by a ball played over the top of the Arsenal defence, the 26-year-old hammered past Aaron Ramsdale – who probably could have done better with his attempt to make the save.
Coming into the last ten minutes, it was West Ham who looked the more likely to find a winner. Antonio rose highest following a cross into the box from Benrahma, however his header hit the crossbar.
For the second week running, Arsenal drop points away from home – with Manchester City now only four points behind the league leaders with a game in hand. Meanwhile, West Ham will be over the moon with a point as they look to strengthen their position at the foot of the table.
