Arsenal is set to continue their pursuit of the Premier League title this afternoon with a visit to West Ham. As the season approaches its conclusion, every match is crucial for both teams. The Gunners dropped two points against Liverpool last Sunday in a thrilling 2-2 draw that allowed Manchester City to cut the gap at the top to six points. However, that gap is now only three points after the Citizens beat Leicester yesterday evening at the Etihad.
Mikel Arteta’s men will now aim to regain their lead at the top against West Ham, who are also in need of a win as they are locked in a desperate relegation battle. The Hammers have won just three of their last 26 home league games against the Gunners and have only beaten Arsenal twice in the Premier League.
The starting lineup for West Ham includes Fabianski, Coufal, Kehrer, Zouma, Cresswell, Rice, Soucek, Paqueta, Bowen, Benrahma, and Antonio. Meanwhile, Arsenal’s starting lineup includes Ramsdale, White, Holding, Gabriel, Tierney, Partey, Xhaka, Odegaard, Saka, Martinelli, and Jesus.
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As the match kicks off, both teams are looking to take control of the game. Arsenal started brightly with some good attacking play but West Ham defended well and kept them at bay. The Hammers then had a chance to take the lead when Benrahma’s shot was saved by Ramsdale.
Arsenal continued to push forward and were rewarded when Martinelli scored in the 15th minute. The Brazilian forward received the ball from Saka and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the net. West Ham tried to respond quickly but Arsenal’s defense held firm.
The Gunners then doubled their lead in the 24th minute when Saka scored a brilliant goal. The young winger received the ball from Odegaard, cut inside, and curled a shot into the top corner of the net. West Ham looked shell-shocked and struggled to get back into the game.
Arsenal continued to dominate possession and created several more chances but were unable to add to their lead before halftime. West Ham made a change at halftime, bringing on Fornals for Paqueta. The Hammers started the second half brightly and had a chance to score when Antonio’s header was saved by Ramsdale.
However, Arsenal soon regained control of the game and created several more chances. Martinelli had a chance to score his second goal of the game but his shot was saved by Fabianski. West Ham then made another change, bringing on Ings for Bowen.
The Hammers continued to push forward but Arsenal’s defense held firm. The Gunners then made a change, bringing on Smith Rowe for Martinelli. West Ham had a chance to score in the 77th minute when Cresswell’s free-kick was saved by Ramsdale.
Arsenal then made another change, bringing on Nketiah for Jesus. The Gunners continued to dominate possession and created several more chances but were unable to add to their lead. West Ham had a chance to score in stoppage time but Antonio’s shot was saved by Ramsdale.
In the end, Arsenal secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over West Ham. The Gunners dominated the game from start to finish and deservedly took all three points. The win keeps Arsenal’s title hopes alive and puts pressure on Manchester City to keep winning. As for West Ham, they remain in a relegation battle and need to start picking up points soon if they are to avoid the drop.