Premier League giants Arsenal secured a crucial 1-0 victory against London rivals West Ham United, going into what promises to be a crucial phase of the season. A lone Alexandre Lacazette strike in the second half was enough to tip the tie in Mikel Arteta’s favour. Having crashed out of the Europa League, the Gunners haven’t been in the best run of form over recent weeks, but continue to remain unbeaten in the league since the turn of the year. Their last defeat in the Premier League game against Chelsea on the 29th of December.
Arsenal Players Rated In Victory Vs West Ham United
Bernd Leno – 8.5
The German shot-stopper was an absolute monster between the sticks for the Gunners tonight, and the North London giants probably wouldn’t have picked up the three points if it wasn’t for Leno’s timely stops.
Sokratis – 6
The Greek international didn’t look overly comfortable in the right-back position and offered next to nothing going forward. Unfortunate to hit the bar and was taken off by Arteta in the second half.
David Luiz – 6.5
The former Chelsea centre-half played the role of a leader tonight, as he seemed to make Pablo Mari’s Premier League debut a much more comfortable affair than actually expected.
Pablo Mari – 7
The loanee seems to have an added level of conviction at the back that the likes of Sokratis and Shkodran Mustafi just seem to lack. Needs time to settle into the pace of the English game though.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Played a truly sensational ball into the Arsenal striker Nketiah, but the young man wasn’t able to do justice to the cross. Got forward whenever the opportunity presented itself and worked hard at the back too.
Dani Ceballos – 7
The Real Madrid loanee did well to keep the ball ticking in the middle of the park with his movement. He was the main link between the Arsenal lines tonight and helped Sokratis out at the back as well.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Almost cost the Gunners the game in the first half when he lost the ball to Bowen. Didn’t look overly comfortable in the second half either, as the West Ham attackers tried to pile on the pressure.
Nicolas Pepe – 6.5
The Frenchman had a slightly more influential game down the flank than usual, owing largely to his dribbling abilities. Slowly fizzled out of the game in the second half.
Mesut Ozil – 7
A much more composed display in the middle of the park by the talented German, who hadn’t been showcasing any of his usual quality over recent weeks. Did well to set up Lacazette for the goal.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 5.5
The Gabonese striker had one of his worst games in recent weeks, as the former Borussia Dortmund man struggled to affect the tie in the second half. Probably would’ve scored on another day.
Eddie Nketiah – 6
The youngster had an excellent opportunity to score, but Ozil seemed to tackle his own player and ruin the situation unnecessarily. Needs to offer more physicality in the final third of the pitch.
Substitutes
Alexandre Lacazette – 8
The Frenchman looked like a man hell-bent on proving to his manager that he deserves to start next week. A superb appearance by the striker, who was at the right place to tap the winner in.
Reiss Nelson – 6
Added a little bit of pace and intensity to the Arsenal front-line, but didn’t have nearly as much as an impact as Lacazette did. Moved the ball around with confidence at times though.
Hector Bellerin – NA
Didn’t have time to make an impact.
