West Ham produced an outstanding display against Arsenal to claim a memorable 2-0 win at the Emirates Stadium.
Our Hammers were giving a significant setback beforehand when captain Kurt Zouma was ruled out through injury, and then again when Lucas Paqueta was seen limping in the warm-up.
Paqueta managed to start, but it didn’t last long when the Brazilian was hauled off after just 30 minutes which was a worrying sight for all connected with the club.
The obstacles did not hamper Moyes’ side though, with the incoming pair of Angelo Ogbonna and Said Benrahma joining the resolute team to produce a hard-fought victory to significantly dent the Gunners charge towards the title this season.
West Ham took the lead on the 13th minute when Jarrod Bowen cut back on the edge of the box, which VAR ruled the ball stayed in play, towards Tomas Soucek who smashed home to send the travelling fans wild.
Arsenal huffed and puffed to get back into the game, but the wall of the Irons defence was so organised and resolute that they simply couldn’t find an answer.
There was expected to be an ramp up in the tempo from the home side after the break, but West Ham didn’t waver and always looked a huge threat on the counter attack, then just 10 minutes into the 2nd half our lead was doubled.
Ward-Prowse whipped in a sublime corner which met the head of former Arsenal defender Mavropanos, who guided a beautiful header into the top corner off the bar and post – with our Hammers in dreamland.
Arsenal looked out of ideas, with energy levels dropping on and off the pitch as West Ham’s win starting to look more certain, and it was nearly a perfect ending when former captain Declan Rice conceded a penalty in the last minute when fouling Emerson.
Unfortunately Said Benrahma couldn’t convert, but it didn’t matter as West Ham claimed a huge win that sees us in the top 6 on New Years day – with believe beginning to grow that European football may be achieved once again.
Our Podcast co-host and club insider ExWHUEmployee was understandably thrilled with the result, and gave huge credit to David Moyes who outfoxed Mikel Arteta.
“What a brilliant result that is,” exclaimed Ex. “With both our first choice centre backs ruled out and Paqueta going off as well, to be able to put all that aside and play as we did is brilliant.
“Credit to David Moyes – who got that spot on tactically!”