Premier League 2018-19, Arsenal 3-1 West Ham United: Hits and flops from the game

Arsenal registered their first win of the season as they beat West Ham 3-1 to mount more misery on Manuel Pellegrini, who is yet to break his duck in the league this season. After the away side through Marco Arnautovic, Unai Emery's men notched three goals to prevent a third defeat in a row.

The game began in a composed manner for both sides, with Arsenal dominating possession and the Hammers sitting deeper.

The first big chance came when Masuaku gave the ball away, which set Bellerin in space. His cross fell to Mkhitaryan, whose sweetly struck volley was saved by Fabianski. Ramsey on the follow-up found the back of the net but was offside. Moments later, Arnautovic hit the side netting after a good spell of possession from the visitors.

Despite frailties at the back, West Ham looked threatening getting forward. However, the majority of the play came from the middle third of the pitch.

A superb counter-attacking move was capped off by Arnautovic, who drilled a shot past Cech to give put his side in front. Six minutes later, Nacho Monreal restored parity.

Owing to their sloppiness, the Gunners invited pressure by giving away plenty of possession to the visitors, who couldn't quite punish them.

Mustafi rose high to get his header on target, only to be denied by Fabianski. Cech was called into action many a time at the other end too, but neither side managed to take the game by the scruff of its neck.

A scratchy goal then came as a cross from Lacazette deflected off Diop. Late on, Danny Welbeck put the game to bed by dispatching a Bellerin cross.

Here are 5 players who underwent the most contrasting of expeditions at the Emirates:

---

#5 Best: Alexandre Lacazette

Lacazette was influential in wide areas

Arsenal had a fair share of possession in midfield, but very little of it was transferred and transitioned into the final third. Apart from a few chances, no players were really involved as a collective unit. However, the inclusion of Lacazette made a huge difference.

The forward shifted to the right and played next to the likes of Mkhitaryan and Bellerin, whereas Aubameyang, Monreal and Ramsey occupied the left side of the pitch in Iwobi's absence.

Lacazette interchanged play quite often, picked the overlapping runs of Bellerin, took his chances in the box and looked composed while under pressure from the West Ham defenders.

He brought about a sense of cohesion about the way Arsenal played in the second half.

Also to mention, he grabbed a vital assist for his team's second goal, as it was his cross that deflected off Diop.

#4 Worst: Jack Wilshere

Wilshere offered little or no creativity

It is understood that one feels the nerves when they return to their boyhood club, but Wilshere could have and should have done much better.

The midfielder should have kept the passes flowing and the direction of play ticking, but he slowed down the tempo of the game, lost possession and picked the wrong passes at times. In addition to these mistakes, he failed to release Anderson on one occasion, which could have easily resulted in a goal.

Defensively too, there is a huge scope for improvement as far as Wilshere is concerned. He was unorganized and reckless.

His challenge on Guendouzi could have been more dangerous than what it actually was. Also to mention, the likes of Bellerin ran past him way too easily.

Not a happy return for Jack Wilshere.

#3 Best: Marco Arnautovic

Arnautovic was in the middle of everything

Arsenal led their way in the game by dominating possession and trying to find gaps between West Ham's back line, but it was the Hammers who looked more perilous whilst getting forward.

Arnautovic was one player who was at the middle of almost every West Ham attack. He initiated counter-attacks, sparked pace and life into the game by taking on defenders, passed around safely and tucked away a fine goal to give his side the lead.

His link up with Anderson showed promising signs for Pellegrini, not only in this game but also in the outings to follow. His energy coupled with the work rate left the Gunners' defenders back-peddling.

He was unfortunately subbed off just before the hour mark and the East London side's attacking creativity saw deterioration.

#2 Worst: Granit Xhaka

It was another disappointing performance by the Swiss

Not him again. Granit Xhaka is just not reliable in midfield under Emery's high-press system. Firstly, his performance went down in terms of on-the-ball work. Usually, the holding midfielder picks out long passes, looks comfortable in possession and creates a couple of chances in the game.

This time around though, Xhaka misplaced a few 10-yard passes and lacked creativity. Off the ball, Xhaka was off the pace. He was often found out of position. There were times when he was found jogging in the laziest of manners too.

He also needs to work with Guendouzi like a pair. Their poor organisation leaves Sokratis way too exposed. Many would be asking, "why isn't Torreira in the starting line-up yet?"

#1 Best: Felipe Anderson

Anderson often got the better of his marker

Felipe Anderson put his critics and haters to sleep when he put up a display worthy of the £36 million West Ham paid for him earlier this summer. He was absolutely electric on the pitch. As aforementioned, the Brazilian was the architect along with Marco Arnautovic.

First things first, his touch was absolutely fantastic. Every time he picked up or received the ball, there seemed to a purpose, an intent behind his touch. He carried the ball from midfield to attack and surprised the Arsenal midfield by wriggling past not one buy many red shirts, due to his pace and ball control.

He looked very comfortable on the ball, which was illustrated whenever he attempted a dribble. His final ball too was remarkable. Be it crossing or splitting the back line with a through ball, Anderson was on top of his game.