Arsenal dominated the encounter and bombarded the visitors’ goal but could not find a breakthrough
By Kehinde Okeowo
Arsenal missed the opportunity to leapfrog Liverpool and return to the Premier League summit on Thursday night, after losing 2-0 to West Ham at the Emirates Stadium.
It was a ruthless display by the Hammers, who converted two of their three shots on target, while Arsenal squandered a host of opportunities.
Soucek opened the scoring for the visitors from close range in the 13th minute following a pass from Jarrod Bowen, with the goal confirmed after a lengthy VAR check looking into whether the ball had gone out of play.
Arsenal surged forward in relentless waves and West Ham goalkeeper Alphonse Areola made a fine reaction save from a Bukayo Saka header on the half-hour.
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The Gunners came out determined to find a response but instead they found themselves 2-0 down when Mavropanos’s bullet header cannoned in off the crossbar from James Ward-Prowse’s corner.
Gabriel Jesus then failed to beat Areola with a header when well-placed and shortly afterwards missed another glorious opportunity with his head at the back post.
Arsenal continued to bombard the visitors’ goal but could not find a breakthrough and it could have been worse had Said Benrahma managed to convert a late penalty.
Arteta speaking to BBC after the match, said his team deserved more for their dominance but admitted they will need to improve.
He said: “We want to be at the top and today we are very, very disappointed.
“We had so much dominance in the game. We are in a really good position. Today is a disappointing night. We have to pick ourselves up for a big game against Fulham.”
He added: “The players put an enormous effort in. It’s a difficult dressing room right now but we have another game in 72 hours. This is football, we have to improve in certain areas.”
Defeat leaves Arsenal in second place on 40 points, one clear of Aston Villa and three ahead of league champions, Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
