Arsenal 2-1 West Ham United: Player ratings as Eddie Nketiah's late strike helps Gunners maintain their winning start to the season | Premier League 2020-21

Bubemi
Arsenal secured a 2-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday evening
Arsenal secured a 2-1 win over West Ham United on Saturday evening

West Ham United player ratings against Arsenal

GK: Lukasz Fabianski (6/10)

Lukasz Fabianski only made one save against Arsenal
Lukasz Fabianski only made one save against Arsenal

For the first 20 minutes of the game, Lukasz Fabianski didn’t have much to do. By the end of it, the former Arsenal keeper had only made 1 save but conceded 2 goals.

RWB: Ryan Fredericks (6/10)

It’s down the left-hand side that Arsenal create most of their chances, so Ryan Fredericks knew he’d be in for a tough time. However, the exclusion of Maitland-Niles and Tierney made his job much easier as Arsenal lacked their usual rhythm and had to target Issa Diop instead.

RCB: Issa Diop (5.5/10)

Issa Diop would be disappointed that both Arsenal goals came through his channel
Issa Diop would be disappointed that both Arsenal goals came through his channel

Although he didn’t make any mistakes, Issa Diop can be disappointed that both Arsenal goals came through his channel. He was left powerless to stop the pull-backs from both Aubameyang and Ceballos for the two goals.

CB: Angelo Ogbonna (6/10)

As the most experienced defender at West Ham, Angelo Ogbonna was tasked with marshalling Alexandre Lacazette and organising his back five. He did that well for the majority of the game but Arsenal’s quality was always going to shine through.

LCB: Aaron Cresswell (6/10)

Deployed in the unfamiliar role of an LCB, Aaron Cresswell perhaps performed the best of his defenders. Any time Arsenal tried to attack down his side, they found no joy as he was able to limit space for Willian and Bellerín, knowing when to go tight and when to back off.

LWB: Arthur Masuaku (5.5/10)

In a role that highlights his best qualities, Arthur Masuaku flattered to deceive throughout the game. Instead of taking on his man regularly, Masuaku often played it safe and failed to be effective in attack.

RDM: Tomas Soucek (6/10)

Tomas Soucek made runs into the Arsenal box at every opportunity
Tomas Soucek made runs into the Arsenal box at every opportunity

Many have labelled Tomas Soucek as the new Marouane Fellaini in this David Moyes side. The defensive midfielder was utilised mainly for his height as he made runs into the box at every opportunity. The 25-year-old won 4 aerial duels across the 90 minutes.

LDM: Declan Rice (6.5/10)

As the team’s midfield controller, Declan Rice did his best to keep possession in the rare occasions that West Ham had Arsenal penned in.

In a hard-working performance, Rice had 60 touches of the ball, completed 98% of his passes, won 5 duels, made 4 clearances and created 2 chances.

RW: Jarrod Bowen (6/10)

Alongside Antonio, Jarrod Bowen was perhaps West Ham’s best player against Arsenal. His enthusiasm, industrious nature and eye for a pass made him a constant thorn in the side of Arsenal’s defence. In a spirited display, Bowen provided 6 crosses, completed 15 passes and made 2 tackles.

LW: Pablo Fornals: (5/10)

Hooked off with a couple of minutes to go, Pablo Fornals had a forgettable game. The Spaniard did nothing worth noting throughout his 88 minutes on the pitch.

ST: Michail Antonio: (7.5/10)

Michail Antonio was rewarded with a goal against Arsenal for his tireless runs into the channels
Michail Antonio was rewarded with a goal against Arsenal for his tireless runs into the channels

Often tasked with much of the donkey work for West Ham’s attack, Michail Antonio once again led by example upfront. His runs into the channels and scraps for each loose ball were rewarded with a goal on the stroke of half time.

In another industrious display, Antonio attempted 4 shots on goal, hit the post once, won 5 duels and scored 1 goal.

Substitutes:

Andriy Yarmolenko: N/A

The Ukrainian tried to get involved in the game but Arsenal’s organisation didn’t give him the space to do so.

Sebastien Haller: N/A

Haller was brought on in the dying minutes to give the Hammers more of an aerial presence as they resorted to long balls.

Felipe Anderson: N/A

The Brazilian didn’t have enough time to make an impact on the game.

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Edited by Rachel Syiemlieh