Arsenal 0-1 West Ham: Player Ratings

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

Areola:6 Really tested by his own players with the number of times the ball was played back to him forcing him to kick. Saved well with his legs on 62 mins. Didn’t really have too much to do.

Todibo:7 Got his first start under Potter and didn’t disappoint, classy operator who needs a run of games. Covered a missed header from Kilman very well indeed. Lasted 60 mins.

Kilman:8 Lucky to get away with a missed clearance after 12mins but redeemed himself just before half time with an excellent block on Rice. maybe not the first choice Gooners attack but he commanded the middle of defence at cleared out every header as the pressure came at the end.

Cresswell:7 Looked what he is, an experienced pro. One header against Merino was very important. Excellent cross for Bowen in the 2nd half. Very impressed with Cressie’s performance.

Wan Bissaka:7 Struggled defensively but some of his attacking play for first class and he set up Bowen following and excellent solo run. Obi Wan repeated the trick again for West Ham to score the opener as his dribble managed to kill enough time for Bowen to get into the box. A mixed bag of incredible attacking and less than convincing defending.

Scarles:7 A well deserved start for the academy youngster who has an excellent ability to time his tackles well and read the game. Got clattered by Merino, did enough to start against Leicester.

Alvarez:8 Picked up a very early waring from the referee after a foul on Martin Ødegaard. Used his experience to win a freekick against Nwaneri when the Irons were coming under pressure. Gave everything.

Soucek:7 His lack of technique was a real problem when West Ham wanted to keep possession or play forward. Did get into positions for a couple of headers in the box. Amazing tackle in the second half set up a Hammers attack. Really imposed his physicality as the game went on. Set the tone for an incredible team effort.

Ward Prowse:7 Pleased to see Potter trying to get JWP into crossing positions. Very tidy, I suspect he’ll start most games between now and the end of the season. Incredible energy.

Kudus:8 Very much forced to try and hold the ball up and link with Scarles in the opening 45. Looked better whenever he moved away from the left hand side but created a good chance for Soucek from that wing. His strength was a big asset against the physical Arsenal team. His best game for a while, battled his heart out and got Lewis-Skelly sent off. A complete pain to play against.

Bowen:7 The furthest forward of the Hammers players in the first half and not helped by the tactic of launching it long to him on occasion. Fluffed his lines with a right footed shot following great work from Wan Bissaka. Excellent sliding block denied Declan Rice a shot on goal. Scored just before half time with a diving head from probably the longest one/two you’ll ever see as he gave the ball to AWB in West Ham’s own half and collected it again in the box.

Substitutes

Mavropanos:5 Replaced the impressive Todibo on 60 mins which would have had everyone worried and rightly so as he gave his former club a good chance with a clumsy foul on Trossard.

Ferguson: 80th min sub for captain Jarrod Bowen. Not the best ball from Kudus but had a small chance to make it 2-0 in the 84th min.

Soler: 87th minute for Alvarez and won a good time wasting freekick.