West Ham’s surprising third consecutive Premier League win sent shockwaves through Arsenal’s title aspirations, dealing a significant blow to the Gunners’ championship hopes.
West Ham displayed ruthlessness, converting two out of three shots on target, while Arsenal missed numerous opportunities, costing them the chance to claim the top spot in the league.
Tomas Soucek capitalized on Jarrod Bowen’s cutback, and despite potential concerns about the ball going out of play in the build-up, the video assistant referee found insufficient evidence to overturn the goal.
West Ham secured a first-half lead, extended in the 55th minute as former Arsenal center-back Konstantinos Mavropanos skillfully headed in a corner.
Despite dominating possession and applying pressure, Arsenal struggled to mount a response.
And their woeful night was nearly made worse when Declan Rice gave away a penalty in the final minute of injury time, but Said Benrahma’s effort was saved by David Raya.
The result leaves Mikel Arteta’s Gunners second in the table, two points behind league leaders Liverpool, while West Ham end the year with 33 points – their highest total at the halfway stage in a Premier League campaign.
Missed opportunity for Arsenal to go top
Arsenal’s downfall stemmed from their inability to translate dominance and possession into goals.
As the match progressed, Arsenal’s inability to capitalize bred frustration, affecting both the players on the pitch and the fans in the stands. The atmosphere at the Emirates Stadium noticeably drained as weariness set in.
Opportunities were spurned as Bukayo Saka struck the post in the first half, Gabriel Martinelli fired wide and Gabriel Jesus headed high.
Ex-West Ham captain Rice later fizzed an effort over the bar, before Hammers goalkeeper Alphonse Areola denied Leandro Trossard and Martin Odegaard.
It was a stark contrast to West Ham’s fortunes and the visitors were able to brilliantly fend off countless attacks with selfless defending.
Arsenal’s lack of ruthlessness could prove costly with five teams sitting within six points of each other at the top of the Premier League. There is little room for error.
Season’s greetings for the Hammers!
West Ham’s December results have been a festive delight, as Moyes’ side followed up an impressive win over Manchester United with a stunning performance at the Emirates.
This positions them at sixth in the table, firmly in contention for European qualification, boasting four wins, one draw, and one defeat in the league this month.
Despite losing England midfielder Rice in the summer, who lined up for Arsenal against his former club for the first time, West Ham have shown maturity and growth in the first part of the campaign and have been rewarded with their highest points tally.
Anxious anticipation lingers as the extent of Lucas Paqueta’s injury remains uncertain. The Brazilian midfielder, forced off in the 31st minute after pulling up in the warm-up and being risked anyway, had ice strapped to his left leg.
