Arsenal 2-0 West Ham: Saka and Martinelli thrive as Arsenal pass the West Ham test, the Gunners move into top 4: Despite missing a crucial penalty early in the second half, Mikel Arteta’s men breezed past David Moyes’ injury ridden West Ham. The Hammers were no match for Arsenal’s brilliant silique interplay and fell prey to the Gunner’s intensity. For the first time in 14 months, Arsenal moves into the top 4.
Trust the process. pic.twitter.com/uNGgVkIzHp
— GOAL (@goal) December 15, 2021
Arsenal youngsters Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, Emile Smith Rowe and Martin Odegaard really are coming of age this season, with the Brazilian opening the scoring early in first half after receiving a beautiful pass from Lacazette, slotted his curling low effort coolly past Fabianski. The two Englishmen Saka and Smith Rowe combined late in the game to seal off a resounding win for the Gunners, the former Wigan man found the back of the net with his weaker left foot.
Jamie Vardy is the only English player with more Premier League goals than Emile Smith Rowe this season 🌟 pic.twitter.com/FWERNZo2T3
— ESPN UK (@ESPNUK) December 15, 2021
Key Moments and Match Recap:
Starting Lineups:
Arsenal-
🚨 #ARSWHU team news 🚨
👊 We’re unchanged from the team that beat Southampton at Emirates Stadium on Saturday
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 15, 2021
West Ham-
One change tonight ⚒
Here’s how we’re lining up at the Emirates…#ARSWHU | @betway pic.twitter.com/acPiZ4YQbv
— West Ham United (@WestHam) December 15, 2021
0′ Match Begins
12′ Free-kick is on the left out wide. Odegaard can’t get it past the first man, Rice is there to head it away. Martinelli then fouls Bowen and West Ham have survived the danger.
25′ Penalty shouts from the home side, Saka down in the box. He went to fire an effort at goal but ended up kicking Masuaku’s foot as the left-back came to close him down.
Won’t be getting a penalty for that.
40′ Arsenal’s best move of the match so far and then they hit the bar! Lacazette plays it back to Saka, who combines beautifully with Odegaard. Lays it off to Xhaka and it’s a wonderful block from Dawson. Tierney with a thunderous effort from range, which Fabianski tips onto the bar. Brilliant strike, brilliant save.
45′ 1st half ends: Arsenal with a flurry of opportunities at the backend to the first half.
Second Half Begins:
48′ Goaalll: Arsenal 1-0 West Ham, Gabriel Martinelli, Brilliant interplay between Lacazette and Martinelli, Arsenal move the ball up field with brilliant passing Lacazette releases Martinelli with a brilliant pass, Martinelli calmly finishes it past Fabianski low into the bottom right corner.
Martinelli’s goal vs West Ham tonight pic.twitter.com/tvZQc4kXBY
— Renato (@rehnato) December 15, 2021
59′ Martinelli shown the yellow card as he stops Fabianski from setting West Ham away quickly. Lacazette has been really impressive tonight. He combines with Odegaard and Martinelli, and the Brazilian has a shot blocked.
67′ Penalty for the Gunners Ball runs across the box and Lacazette tries to poke it away from Coufal, who catches him after getting some of the ball but the Hammers defender does slightly catch the Frenchman. and Coufal gets his marching orders after receiving a 2nd yellow.
VAR has checked it. Decision stands! That’s a harsh one on West Ham.
Pen and red card ?? #ARSWHU pic.twitter.com/L8m0LSovio
— EvertonEssence (@EssenceEverton) December 15, 2021
69′ Lacazette Misses the Penalty!!! The Frenchman goes for the left corner but sees his effort saved by the Polish international. The former Arsenal keeper keeps West Ham in the contest.
3 – Arsenal have failed to convert three consecutive penalties in the Premier League for the first time since August 1992, when they failed to score with each of their first five penalties in the competition. Yips.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 15, 2021
81′ Martinelli goes down off the pitch with cramp, but his manager picks him up and tells him to go down on the pitch! The Brazilian is replaced by Nketiah just a few minutes after. Martinelli gets a well-deserved standing ovation from Arsenal faithful.
87′ Goaalll: Arsenal 2-0 West Ham, Emile Smith Rowe, Saka cuts inside and passes it wide to Smith Rowe as Rice comes across to close him down. Smith Rowe drives inside and sends a left-footed strike through the legs of Diop and into the corner of the net. That’s the three point secured.
Emile Smith Rowe scoring with a nutmeg.pic.twitter.com/mtDRLE4yI8
— 🎃Nicklodeon (@ArtPatino) December 15, 2021
95′ Full Time: Match Ends
Arsenal 2-0 West Ham: Saka and Martinelli thrive as Arsenal pass the West Ham test, the Gunners move into top 4
