Arsenal vs. West Ham October 30th 2010 Performance Review

Any Arsenal fan will tell you that after watching the match, two words come to mind. Relief and uncertainty. On paper the match looked one-sided and well known local pundits ( Paul Masefield and Shebby Singh ) tipped Arsenal to storm to a 3-0, 4-0 victories. However as we all know, that wasn't the case. Arsenal hosted the Hammers at the Emirates having the better run of form over their London rivals. Arsenal had previously won away at Manchester City last week and grinded out a tough fought 1-0 over a pesky Birmingham team. West Ham are at the bottom of the league with no form whatsoever. Avram Grant may tell the world that given the right time, confidence and luck his players may shine but they faced an uphill task as the Gunners looked to bag all 3 points at home to catch up with runaway league leaders Chelsea. Arsene Wenger on the other hand came into the match beaming at his almost fully strengthened squad list, having been able to call upon the no longer injured Nicklas Bendtner and Theo Walcott who shone in midweek. So how would this match conclude?

REPORT

The matched kicked off with a drizzle, making the already perfect Emirates pitch slick enough for quick passing which Arsenal used to their advantage. The opening quarter saw Arsenal dominate possession as usual and should have been at least 2-0 up when Song headed over and both Arshavin and Fabregas had clear cut chances saved by Robert Green in the West Ham goal. However, there was cause for concern as West Ham did look dangerous on the counter-attack and so nearly went ahead themselves when Jamie Noble raced away from the Arsenal midfield and had a shot on goal, which represents the Hammer's best chance of the half. Half time shortly followed and even as I was viewing the match on television, I could sense the uneasy-ness surrounding the Emirates. Fans must be wondering, what on earth is going on? Second half begin more brightly for the home side as they pushed forward to find that elusive goal. Once again Arshavin came close and Samir Nasri so nearly scored a cracker when he smashed a 25 yard free kick onto the bar. Theo Walcott soon came on to loud cheers and applause from the Arsenal faithful as many see him as the potential savior on this frustrating afternoon. And he nearly ended the home side's frustration. Fabregas threaded a through ball out to Walcott on the right who simply whizzed by the left back at ease and was one on one with the goalkeeper. However his shot hit the post and deflected back into the goalie's arms. What a lucky stroke for Robert Green. Green made two further saves from both Walcott and Fabregas and when the clock showed the match going deep into the end of normal time, I had my heart in my mouth and I thought it was going to be another case of us unable to put away the lesser sides. Sometimes, patience and faith are crucial in football. Around the 88th minute, Gael Clichy the Arsenal left back dummied a cross and cut inside the right back and floated in a teasing right footed cross across the goal-line, and Alex Song ones again sings Arsenal to all 3 points with a diving header. Relief around Emirates and homes of Arsenal fans worldwide. Albeit cruel on the away side for having worked so hard to keep Arsenal at bay, I must argue that for all the frustration the home team and fans endured, plus dominating the shot count and ball possession, the win was very much deserved. It's 1 nil to the Arsenal.

                                               Song meets Clichy's cross with a diving header...

                                           ...and celebrates with a lap of honor with Nicklas Bendtner


MAN OF THE MATCH : 
Gael Clichy. The French left back once again put in a great shift for the Gunners, running tirelessly from box to box when called upon. Besides unmatched stamina, Clichy also possessed the presence of mind and the composure to beat an opponent before picking out Alex Song with a pinpoint cross to score the only goal of the game. Arsene Wenger will be delighted with the effort of his left back, as will the Arsenal faithful if he strings in more performances like this. It's just what we need more of, crosses from wide areas.

Clichy

ARSENAL VERDICT :

The Gunners disappointed in more ways then one. Their free flowing football didn't bring about goals in the first half and sometimes they overplay for their own good. However they had to winning mentality to seek out a goal before added time and that is where I believe they have matured. Also, having lost points at home to West Brom, Arsenal showed that they needed to win the so called target practice teams if they are to be seen as title challengers and with this win no one can count them out now. Fabregas looks to be at his best again with Nasri already going through the form of his life with 7 goals in 7 games. Moreover, greater news for all Gunners fans now that young prodigy and midfield maestro Jack Wilshere has sign a long term contract. With Robin van Persie and Thomas Vermaelan returning to first team action very soon, Arsenal do look likely to be firing on all cylinders to try and catch Chelsea come May next year.

Jack Wilshere signs a new deal under the tutelage of Arsene Wenger. 

WEST HAM VERDICT :

Manager Avram Grant must be absolutely disgusted. Not at his team who put in a great shift for 88 minutes, but how they conceded the goal when they look like they were going to get a valuable point. Let's be clear though, West Ham were still outplayed and outpossessed the entire match but Robert Green had his best game of the season for them in goal so far. If he can continue his excellent saves in goal, there is no reason why they can't be out of the bottom three by Christmas. But reality check in progress, the Hammers are rooted to the bottom of the league. Grant needs to change their mentality and get his hardworking team to create chances, and score the goals. Or else it spells the end of his career as manager and the end of Premier League football for the proud Hammers.

Written by, 

Adrian Tan