Premier League – Matchday 17: Arsenal, the double blow to West Ham

Arsenal can finally strengthen its ambitions. At the Emirates Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s men won an important derby against West Ham, a direct competitor for a qualification for the future Champions League. After a rather dull first period on both sides, the Gunners accelerated against disappointing Hammers, to win thanks to goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe, while Alexandre Lacazette missed a penalty (2-0) . It is the fifth home victory in a row for Arsenal, who moved into the top 4 with one point ahead of… West Ham.

It took a long time to take off this London derby between two contenders for the Big Four. For a good half hour, Arsenal and West Ham generally neutralized each other and we waited until the spark that would illuminate this poster of the 17th day of the Premier League. If the first real thrill is to be put to the credit of the Hammers, thanks to a coiled strike from Pablo Fornals passed very close to the frame, it is the Gunners who have better finished the first act. It was also necessary that Lukas Fabianski distinguished himself against Kieran Tierney, with the help of the bar (40th), then against Alexandre Lacazette (44th) to prevent the opening of the scoring.

Arsenal are intractable at home

The start of the second half finally confirmed the rise of Arsenal, which quickly found the fault thanks to Gabriel Martinelli. Unhappy with a big action before the break (44th), the Brazilian, launched between two defenders by Lacazette, caught up with a very precise shot (1-0, 48th). Then it took Aaron Ramsdale to oppose a firm hand on a shot from Jarrod Bowen (53rd). This was West Ham’s only reaction, and we waited for Arsenal’s break goal. It was not the work of Lacazette, who saw his penalty be stopped by Fabianski (69th), but of Emile Smith Rowe, admittedly a little too late (2-0, 87th). Ten to eleven after the expulsion of Vladimir Coufal, West Ham no longer had any hope.

On arrival, Arsenal confirms their immense form at home, where the London club have not lost since August and the reception of Chelsea (0-2). And it’s a real double blow for the players of Arteta who, not content to afford yet another derby, pass a competitor in the standings. For his part, David Moyes certainly expected better for the 600th game of his career as a Premier League manager. Except that, this Wednesday evening, his Hammers were copiously dominated.