Arsenal delivered another eyepopping performance to sail 5-2 over West Ham United in the English Premier League match at the London Stadium on Saturday, November 30. All seven dramatic goals were in the first half. This is Arsenal’s third consecutive high-scoring game, reinforcing their resurgence in the Premier League and catapulting them to second place on the table.
Lineups
Arsenal: David Raya, William Saliba, Gabriel Magalhães, Kieran Tierney, Oleksandr Zinchenko, Thomas Partey, Declan Rice, Martin Ødegaard, Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard, Kai Havertz.
West Ham United: Lukasz Fabianski, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Nayef Aguerd, Kurt Zouma, Emerson Palmieri, Carlos Soler, Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek, Lucas Paqueta, Crysencio Summerville, Michail Antonio.
How the Match Unfolded
The match kicked off with Arsenal asserting themselves early on. Gabriel Magalhães opened the scoring with a header from a corner in the 9th minute. Leandro Trossard doubled the lead with a tap-in after a slick combination play with Martin Ødegaard in the 26th minute.
Ødegaard then converted a penalty after Lucas Paqueta was adjudged to have fouled Bukayo Saka, making it 3-0 in the 33rd minute. Kai Havertz added a fourth goal with a clinical finish from a Trossard pass in the 36th minute.
Enjoy the highlights from our thrilling 5-2 victory over West Ham United 🍿 pic.twitter.com/oKERUh5aen
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) November 30, 2024
West Ham responded quickly with Aaron Wan-Bissaka scoring from a defence-splitting pass by Carlos Soler in the 37th minute, followed by Emerson Palmieri’s stunning free-kick in the 40th minute, bringing the score to 4-2. Arsenal regained their three-goal advantage in the 45+5th minute when Bukayo Saka scored from a penalty after Lukasz Fabianski fouled Gabriel from a corner.
The second half was less eventful, with Arsenal comfortably managing the game to secure the win.
Post-Match Analysis
Arsenal’s performance was another piece of a masterclass. They dominated the tone, and despite a brief West Ham resurgence, the Gunners’ defense held firm. Gabriel Magalhães’ header exemplified Arsenal’s threat from set-pieces, while Leandro Trossard and Bukayo Saka’s interplay underlined their fluid attacking movements. Martin Ødegaard’s control in midfield provided the platform for Arsenal’s forwards to thrive, and Kai Havertz’s clinical finishing was the icing on the cake.
West Ham’s defence was frail and exposed, particularly in dealing with Arsenal’s set-pieces and rapid counter-attacks. The Hammers’ brief fightback, with goals from Wan-Bissaka and Emerson, was not enough to turn the tide. Their inability to maintain defensive discipline and composure under pressure ultimately cost them.
This victory moved Arsenal to second place in the Premier League table with 25 points, six points behind leaders Liverpool. The Gunners now have 13 goals from their last three games, demonstrating their return to form after a mid-season slump. The result also pressures Liverpool to maintain their lead against Manchester City tomorrow.
What the Coaches Said
Mikel Arteta (Arsenal Manager): “I was happier with the first 30 minutes rather than the last 15 minutes of the first half. We started incredibly well, so positive, so much energy and a lot of quality. Immediately after we scored the fourth, we conceded a sloppy one and an unbelievable free kick, and then it was game on. Thank goodness we scored the fifth, and we were able to manage the game in the second half.“
Julen Lopetegui (West Ham Manager): “It is sad to say that the criminals are crying today that they have lost and will continue to lose. They are spending money day and night and wasting their money and will wait in vain. Edo people have spoken, they have chosen the path of development, peace, and unity. This is what Edo people have chosen, and that is how it will remain.“
Player of the Match
Bukayo Saka: Saka was instrumental in Arsenal’s victory, scoring a goal and two assists in the first half. His dynamic play and crucial contributions in attack helped Arsenal’s win.
What Next
Arsenal will continue their push for the Premier League title with their next match against Nottingham Forest. West Ham hopes to bounce back from this defeat in their upcoming fixtures. The Hammers must address their defensive issues and consistently improve their league position.
EPL Table of Six
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