Hammers comeback bruises Arsenal title hopes

Both sides started the day desperate to end the weekend three points richer. Arsenal wanted the win to extend their lead at the top to six points, while Moyes' men needed the three to ease any looming relegation worries.

Fans barely had any time to take their seats before the score was opened at the London Stadium, with Gabriel Jesus grabbing the opener. Right-back Ben White was perfectly threaded through on the right before he centered the ball, putting it on a plate for his Brazilian teammate to tap home what will most likely be his easiest goal this season.

Barely three minutes later and the visitors had inflicted yet more damage onto their hosts. This time exploiting the left-hand flank, Martinelli cut inside before putting in a pin-point cross to the back post where Odegaard was on hand to smartly volley home. It was a somewhat more skillful finish from the Norwegian captain, but with the same result as Jesus', doubling the Gunners' lead.

As the first half progressed, the more West Ham found their feet, culminating in a spot kick for the home side on 32 minutes. It was a clumsy challenge from Gabriel, but Paqueta certainly made a meal of it, flinging himself to the floor. The Hammer's tactic was the right one, though, as the referee's whistle was there to mark the first time Arsenal have conceded a penalty in consecutive Premier League games since September 2019. Benrahma was expertly on hand to fire past Ramsdale.

Whatever Arteta said to his men during the fifteen minute break clearly had the desired impact, with the Gunners being earning a penalty off an Antonio handball. This advantage was, however, all in vain, as Saka soon stepped up only to fire the shot wide round Fabianski's right post. What's more, he would have left ruing that miss just minutes later, as Arteta's men were forced to see themselves concede another.

Jared Bowen was perfectly fed over the top from the midfield, and he was waiting to expertly volley in past Ramsdale in what was a very impressive finish, not too dissimilar from Odegaard's in the first half. This lit the home crowd up, who were aware of the momentum their side had. Despite renewed hoped, the visitors did ostensibly wake up, getting back to controlling large swathes of play.

It did seem to be just one of those days for the Gunners, however, who must have dominated the possession stats in the closing stages. Arteta's several attacking changes were only matched by defensive ones from Moyes, and it was not enough to break down the home side, who remained solid and staved off the relentless pressure. Even the five minutes added on were insufficient to get past Poland's Fabianski.

This result will be much more welcomed by West Ham, who are now four points clear of the dreaded drop zone. It's a point which the Gunners will reluctantly accept, as they are now four points ahead of City in the title race. It may seem a lot, but you must take into account they have played one more than Guardiola's men, and there is still the all-important face-off two weeks from now. The ball is very much in City's hands, therefore.

 

April 16, 2023