Even though the match finished 1-0 it was an exciting game of football at London Stadium, especially for West Ham fans. The Hammers beat Arsenal for the first time since August of 2015 and for only the second time in the last 21 tries.
WHU carried play for much of the game and created the better of the chances until Usai Emery made his double switch at 59’ bringing on Ramsey and Torreira; the former having a big impact on the match for the Gunners. From there the Irons tightened up defensively and saw the match out in a professional fashion.
Here is how West Ham’s players graded in the match
Grades (/10):
Fabianski–7 Most of Arsenal’s chances were off the mark so Fabianski didn’t have to make many saves. When tested once in the first half and a few more times in the second, he stepped up large. He controls his area throughout and was always in control.
Cresswell-7 Solid again. Had a few really nice efforts in attack and was good defending too. Seems to have locked down the LB spot for now.
Ogbonna- 7 His best match for West Ham in quite some time and certainly his most solid performance since being pressed into duty for the injured Balbuena three weeks ago. Now that his injury looks to be more long-term, today was a good sign for Ogbanna. Almost had a goal off a corner and one block in particular inside the 18-yard box was memorable from his game.
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Diop–7 Helped win the clean sheet against the third highest scoring side in the Premier League. He has also been called on to do more now with his usual partner out for a while and is looking good in his new expanded role. He seems more than up for it and proved it here.
Zabaleta- 6 Another West Ham player who had a memorable defensive stop or two around the 18-yard box. Involved offensively at times, and had one good sprint in an attempt to save a ball from crossing the goal line that was just a bit too heavy for him. Same old impressive from Zab.
Rice- 9 MOTM. Not just the goal, his first in the Premier League, but his presence in midfield – cleaning up messes and cutting off passes as Arsenal attempted to get anything going. Part of the reason they couldn’t do much of anything was Rice. His passion shines through and through for his club.
Noble 7- With over 350 appearances, some days Mr. West Ham is going to have it and others he’s not. Today was one of the days in which he did have it. Noble was key in carrying the ball forward, making tackles and working one-twos with the forwards. The play of Nasri allowed him to settle into the middle of the pitch.
Nasri– 8 (71’) Really looks the part in the creative CAM role. Worked well with both Anderson and Arnautovic. Set up Declan Rice for the only goal and helped secured three points for his new club. A great sign that he is making other players around him better. His patience to hold the ball on the 18-yard box for Anderson and also when waiting for a teammate to get back onside before making his next move was eye-opening. Lanzini-light. More of this, please.
Anderson -8 All over the pitch today both attacking and defending. Looks to be taking on more of the ‘this is my club’ attitude now too. Seemed to really enjoy the interplay with Nasri. Still not a good set piece or corner taker.
Antonio -6 (82’) He does what he does. Carries the ball, attacks defenders and then misses teammates with passes because he can’t see them or doesn’t want to set them up. Then he fires a shot 10 yards over the bar. Would love to see Diangana in his spot, getting a chance to work alongside Nasri.
Arnautovic- 6 (71’) What to say about Arnie today? On the pitch struggled to get involved and didn’t see much of the ball at all. He seemed game for it though, maybe it just didn’t work out for him in the flow of the match. After the game much is being made about the “double hand wave” to the crowd and if that means he is certain to chase the money (and titles?!) in the Chinese Super League? Still, don’t think he is fully fit from last month’s injury. Could this have been his West Ham swan song?
Subs Used:
Snodgrass (71’)- 5 Not much there for him at the stage he entered the game. He did his job, close down on the ball and see the game out. Was really missed on corners and set pieces today. Appears to be the one who’s lost his place to Nasri at least at the moment.
Carroll (71’)- 6 Was noticeable and made some impact when brought on. Did his job which was to lean on CBs, win headers and see the game out. Mission accomplished.
Obiang (82’)- 5 Same as above. Mission accomplished. Did his part of the team effort in seeing the game out in the final stages. Could be his last time in a West Ham shirt.