Full Time: Arsenal 4-1 West Ham United
A flurry of goals right before the final whistle propelled Arsenal to a much-needed 4-1 win against London rivals West Ham United. The Gunners were recently hit by the news of Arsene Wenger’s departure from the club at the end of the season but while the mood in the Arsenal camp was sombre, this win will definitely cheer them up.
The game was tied at 1-1 for a long time after goals from Nacho Monreal and Marko Arnautovic. However, a late goal from Aaron Ramsey set up an attacking tone and Alexandre Lacazette wasted no time in sending two quick goals into the net. The victory gave Arsenal three crucial points and here is how the Gunners fared against West Ham.
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Ospina – 7/10
Did not have much to do besides making a crucial effort to save Arnautovic’s first-half goal attempt. Failed to deny him the second time around.
Hector Bellerin – 6/10
It was a good game from Bellerin and he made a spectacular cross which Danny Welbeck failed to convert in the first-half. However, a terrible error led to West Ham’s equalising goal.
Shkodran Mustafi – 7/10
Mustafi kept trouble at bay and made some much-needed tackles and interceptions to prevent Arnautovic from scoring.
Laurent Koscielny – 7/10
Koscielny put in an assured display at the heart of the Chelsea defence and looked comfortable in possession as well.
Nacho Monreal – 7.5/10
Scored the opening goal of the game and was defensively solid.
Granit Xhaka – 8/10
Xhaka displayed fine form and was always on the run, looking to make things happen for Arsenal. Contributed generously to aid the attack but he picked up a rash challenge in the first-half.
Mohamed Elneny – 5/10
Elneny looked promising but a nasty ankle injury saw him get stretchered off the field.
Aaron Ramsey – 7/10
Ramsey’s finishing was a tad bit questionable initially but he scored a decisive goal in the final minutes of the game to put Arsenal in the driver’s seat.
Alex Iwobi – 3/10
Was Iwobi even in the right state of mind? His touches were poor and his overall performance was disappointing. His passing skills seemed absent for the entirety of the match.
Alexandre Lacazette – 8.5/10
A clinical performance from Lacazette. He ran tirelessly but was visibly frustrated at the lack of service. However, his brace was absolutely fantastic right before the final whistle.
Danny Welbeck – 7/10
Worked hard throughout the game but his activity in the final third was lackadaisical.
Subs:
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 7/10
Came on for Elneny and put in a solid display in the middle of the park.
Pierre Emerick-Aubameyang – 6/10
Provided the crucial assist for Lacazette’s first goal.
Calum Chambers – N/A
Came on too late to make a substantial impact.