West Ham failed to win for a fourth successive Premier League game as the Hammers lost 1-2 to Arsenal at the London Stadium.
Tight First Half
David Moyes made five changes to the side that lost 1-2 to Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek with eyes on the second leg in Germany in just for days.
The hosts fell behind after 38 minutes when Rob Holding climbed highest to head home a Bukayo Saka corner from six yards out.
West Ham were quick to respond after a strong first half performance. Their top scorer Jarrod Bowen controlled a Vladimir Coufal cross brilliantly and his shot went past Aaron Ramsdale to draw the Hammers level.
Goalscoring Centre-Backs
There was second half controversy as Jarrod Bowen found himself through on goal and looked to be brought down by flying out his box Ramsdale. However, referee Mike Dean believed otherwise and booked the winger for simulation.
Arsenal then regained the lead after West Ham failed to clear their lines from another corner as Gabriel met Gabriel Martinelli’s cross and powered a header past Lukasz Fabianski.
In the closing stages of the game, Fabianski denied Eddie Nketiah from range with a good save low down to his left but the Irons failed to create any clear cut chances against a resolute Arsenal side.
Post-Match Reaction
Speaking to Sky Sports, Hammers boss David Moyes said his side, “Deserved at least a point” after a valiant display.
When asked about both goals being conceded from set pieces he said, “We conceded a couple of set pieces which we are normally very good at, both attacking and defending. We also made a few changes which left out some of the bigger players who might have been involved in those situations.”
Fight for Europe
The defeat leaves West Ham seventh and three points clear of Wolves in the Premier League as both teams battle for the final European qualification spot.
The victory was huge for the Gunners as it moved Mikel Arteta’s side up to fourth, two points ahead of rivals Tottenham as both aim for a Champions League finish.
West Ham will be looking to bounce back from the recent lack of wins in their Europa League semi-final versus Frankfurt followed by a league trip to the already relegated Norwich.
