Arsenal 0 – 1 West Ham | Half time at the Emirates

Graham Potter switched tactics starting with a back three of Todibo, Cresswell and Kilman flanked by wing-backs Wan- Bissaka and debutant Ollie Scarles for this afternoon’s London Derby. The three at the back set up coped with the first fifteen minutes without alarm – mission accomplished then, after the number of early goals in recent weeks: Merino did have a couple of chances getting ahead of Cresswell on the left centre back slot – but didn’t make anything of them.

Bowen and Kudus up front did look isolated, pressing but not getting much of a sniff against the Premier League’s best defence. A rare foray forward found Soucek on the end of a Ward Prowse cross, in the number 10 spot, heading over. Down the other end and Calafiori fired straight at Areola – easy save. But a clumsy Alvarez challenge gave Arsenal their first set piece on the right – well blocked by the defence.

Another Hammers chance down the right from Wan-Bissaka’s cut back to Bowen who shot wide on his weak foot: West Ham not here just to sit back. 0 – 0 with half an hour gone and the Hammers’ line of five in defence looking sturdy, if not impregnable. The crowd quietened down and the away fans made themselves heard.

Another chance – Soucek heading over after a lovely cross from Kudus. Two missed now. Arsenal’s first corner at 37 minutes. Let’s see how well West Ham are prepared. Rice’s inswinger first punched away by Areola and then a well blocked follow up by Bowen. Bodies on the line stuff! 42 minutes and West Ham still looking well disciplined, the one time Declan Rice was sent through Max Kilman covered his run well.

And then unbelievably Hammers took the lead – brilliant Wan Bissaka’s mazy right wing run crossed for Bowen’s diving header – in between three Arsenal defenders – wonderful play!

Half time then, one- nil to West Ham. Excellent organisation in defence, brilliant Wan-Bissaka outstanding in the right wing-back role.