Game of Matchday 17 of 38: Arsenal pick up where they left off

 

The Gunner picked up where they left off before the World Cup with a resounding 3-1 win over their North London rivals West Ham United. The Hammers were coming off three consecutive losses to Manchester United on the road followed by Crystal Palace and Leicester at home. They needed a win and Arsenal was their next destination. Arsenal on the other hand was unbeaten in Premier League for 8 games. They also had a nine-game winning streak at The Emirates.

Unfortunately, David Moyes had yet to beat Arsenal in 21 away matches for West Ham. Was this going to be his 22nd? Yes, it was, so let us recap the action from the Emirates stadium. 

First Half

Arsenal begins the game authoritatively. Five minutes on the referees' clock and Arsenal advanced positional play creates a chance on the left side of Fabianskis' penalty area. 

Odegaard threads a pass between the West Ham backline, finding Nketiah, who audaciously flicks it back to Saka. Saka strikes the ball immediately, sending it to the roof of West ham's net, but the linesman's flag is up for offside. The ball scraped Sakas' heel during the build-up, placing Nketiah in an offside position. Close!

Twenty-six minutes into the half, Coufal lifts a precise cross from the right defensive half of West Ham to the left flank of Arsenal's half. Antonio is first to the cross and passes the ball to Bowen. Placing the winger through into the left of Arsenals' penalty area. Saliba is late on the tackle, missing the ball and catching the opponent on the ankle. The referee doesn't even twitch, he points to the spot. A penalty for the visitors. Benrahma steps up, and Ramsdale dives onto his left, but Benrahma places the ball at the center. 1-0 to the Hammers!

Arsenal is looking to equalize and all ten outfield players are in West Ham's half. With a goal in the bag, the Hammers are defending deep. The first half is coming to a close as we head towards the last five of the forty-five. Arsenal has had the majority of the chances but the final pass has been absent, impeded by the defensive commitment of the Hammers. 

We are deep in the three added minutes. Arsenal has a corner on the left of Fabianski's goal. Martinelli whips the inswinger, and Fabianski is first, punting the ball away only as far as Martinelli. The Brazilian gets a second chance, this time he finds Odegaard just outside the 18-yard box. The Captain hits the ball first time, hitting Cresswell. A hesitant Micheal Oliver points at the penalty spot. A chance for Arsenal to go level before the break, the VAR officials advise him to have a second look. It clearly hit Cresswell on the head hence, the penalty is overruled. 

West Ham lead by a goal at The Emirates.

Second Half

The second half is underway on Boxing day and the Gunners find themselves a goal behind at home. 

It's business as usual at the beginning of the second half as Arsenal dominate possession. Eight minutes into the half Odegaard is cruising on the left of West Ham's half. The Captain hits the ball from 24 yards out, which surprisingly finds Saka's feet. The winger sorts his feet together and slots a cool finish on the right side of Fabianski's goal. 1-1 Game On!

Emirates Stadium is buzzing. Saka's goal has brought to life the fans, they want another goal. Sure enough, the players respond. Five minutes after the equalizer, Saliba punts the ball into the middle of West Ham's half, Saka wins the physical battle and passes the ball to Odegaard on his left. The Captain sees Xhaka on the edge of the penalty area just ahead of him. The former captain doesn't hesitate and finds Martinelli on his left, inside the box. The Brazilian moves the ball to his left foot and fizzes out a shot, beating Fabianski at his near post. 2-1 to The Gunners take the lead!  

The crowd is in full voice. West ham is now trying to get into the offensive, but the hosts keep the ball thanks to their intricate passing. Halfway into the half, Arsenal is looking unfathomable, White is on the right of Arsenal's attack and gets past his man, he passes to Odegaard on the edge of the area. The Captain pokes a pass to Nketiah, who rolls his man and finds the far corner of West Ham's goal. 3-1 The Gunners have been sublime!

West Ham is futilely trying to get on the offensive. The gaffers make their changes. The game draws to a close and everyone knows it, the Gunners have taken this one away. The referee blows the whistle, and it's over, Arsenal pick up where they left off. A resounding win and another three points, keeping the chasing Manchester City at bay.