Arsenal's 15-game unbeaten streak was brought to an end by a cunning West Ham who took its chance and held on for a 1-0 win at Emirates Stadium. Mikel Arteta's side came onto the field with one idea in mind, grabbing a victory to close the gap on table-topper Liverpool in the Premier League. But football, as always, had its twists and turns up its sleeve.
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An underwhelming first half and a knockout blow before the break
The match started in scrappy fashion, Arsenal trying to dominate but charging headlong into Graham Potter's defense wall. West Ham had five at the back, clogging up the spaces and leaving the Gunners without a way through. As the minutes ticked by, neither side created much in the way of forward momentum.
The first real chance took its time to arrive. Riccardo Calafiori tried one from outside the box, but Areola managed it with ease. At the other end, Bowen had a gilt-edged opportunity but contrived to completely miss the ball. The chances of a heated battle seemed a far-off dream.
Then, on the stroke of half-time, West Ham made Arsenal pay for its lack of creativity. Wan-Bissaka collected the ball on the right and delivered a precise cross into the box, where Bowen threw himself forward to head it beyond David Raya. A body blow for the home fans at Emirates.
No response and a solution-less Arsenal
If the Arsenal supporters anticipated a response immediately after halftime, they were left disappointed. Arteta's team remained trapped in the tactical maze set out by Potter. The second half was played out at the same rhythm, possession-heavy but ultimately barren for the Gunners against a solid and disciplined West Ham.
Trossard tried to change the script with a menacing shot, but Areola was up to it with an intelligent save. Only then did the frustration grow when Lewis-Skelly was red-carded after a VAR review, leaving Arsenal down to 10 men and even more exposed.
In the dying minutes, the Gunners had one last chance with a free kick on the perimeter of the box, but Sterling's attempt crashed into the wall. Gabriel also got a sight at goal but ballooned his shot. Arsenal menaced an equalizer, but never came.
A big blow for Arsenal's title hopes as West Ham fights for survival
Apart from the frustration of having its unbeaten home streak broken, Arsenal also missed a big opportunity in the title race. With Liverpool having dropped points earlier in the week, a win would have cut the gap to five points, piling major pressure on the leaders.
History was also against Arsenal: every time West Ham has won at Emirates in the Premier League, it has been Arsenal's first home defeat of the season (2006/07, 2015/16, 2023/24, and now 2024/25). Coincidence or sinister trend, it's a disturbing pattern.
In the meantime, the Hammers are still struggling at the bottom of the table. Even with these three points, they are far from being safe. At least they have proven that they can compete with the top teams.