It was the most anticipated meeting of the day. This Thursday evening, as part of the 19th day of the Premier League, Arsenal lost in front of their supporters at the Emirates against West Ham with a score of 2 goals to 0. A setback which does not do the Gunners any business in the ranking.
Defeat at Emirates Stadium. pic.twitter.com/MlVUCWSjlR
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 28, 2023
This third defeat of the season in the Premier League comes at the wrong time for Mikel Arteta’s men, and it can have serious consequences.
With this setback, the Londoners let Liverpool slip to the top of the standings. The Reds are now 2 points ahead (42 against 40). The partners will have to rectify the situation this Sunday on the Fulham pitch and hope for a poor performance from the Scousers against Newcastle.
For its part, West Ham pulled off a nice performance on the Gunners’ pitch and continued the momentum of its resounding success against Manchester United on the previous day (2-0). The Hammers take 6th position with 33 points just ahead of the Red Devils
Arsenal surprised from the start
As usual, whether at home or away, the Gunners started their match strong by putting their foot on the ball and putting a lot of pressure on their opponents. Mikel Arteta lines up his 11 entry type.
Despite strong possession of the ball and a total presence in the Hammers’ half, the red and white were surprised on the counterattack. A contentious goal but verified for many minutes by the VAR scored by Tomas Soucek (1-0.13).
A goal which gave a chill to an entire stadium but on the other hand confidence in the formation of David Moyes. Alphonse Areola’s partners will suffer the wrath of the Gunners but will not give in until the break. The low block of West Ham players hurt Arsenal.
Mavropanos knocks out Arsenal and Raya
Arsenal leaves with the same ambitions after returning from the locker room with an ultra offensive and fluid game. But as in the first period and throughout the match, Martin Odegaard’s teammates will come up against a solid block with tight lines from the Hammers.
Moyes’ men will repeat the same move as at the start of the match and once again surprise the residents of the Emirates Stadium. A few minutes before the hour mark, James Ward-Prowse found Konstantinos Mavropanos on a corner. The Greek defender dominates the entire defense in the air and headers the ball into the back of the net with the help of the bar (2-0.55).
Despite 3 changes at the end of the match to bring dynamism to try to destabilize the West Ham defense and numerous offensive situations, the Gunners did not manage to break the opposing lock. It is Liverpool who will start the 20th day at the top of the Premier League.
