While some Premier League clubs may lack tournament motivation, both Arsenal and West Ham had everything to play for in this fixture. One is chasing the title, the other fighting for survival—and in both cases, the competition is breathing down their necks.
West Ham United (London) – Arsenal (London)
Final Score: 0–1
Goal: Trossard (83′)
Arsenal started the match in an unusual fashion. Declan Rice tossed the ball up in the center circle and launched a high cross towards the corner of the opposition’s box—a statement of intent to attack. The visitors’ first real chance came in the eighth minute. Trossard played a through ball with the outside of his foot to Calafiori, who also struck with the outside of his boot, forcing a save from close range.
That was just the beginning. Arsenal followed with a flurry of chances, including two headers from the 172-cm Trossard within two seconds. Both were dangerous: the first was saved by goalkeeper Hermansen, the second hit the crossbar. Calafiori had three shots early on, each close to goal—just centimeters or split-seconds away from breaking through.
In the 24th minute, right-back Ben White picked up an injury. Given that he was essentially the backup to Timber, Arsenal suddenly found themselves without two right-backs. Mikel Arteta made an unexpected tactical shift: Zubimendi moved into midfield, while Rice dropped to right-back—a position he had previously filled in December during a match against Brighton.
The injury stoppage and a brief period playing with ten men disrupted Arsenal’s rhythm. The early flair evaporated. Physical fouls from West Ham didn’t help the visitors’ creative play, while the hosts began to find their footing. After White’s injury until halftime, West Ham registered more shots, with Castellanos heading powerfully but Raya making the save.
At the break, Arteta substituted another full-back—Calafiori—which seemed even more problematic than White’s departure. Mosquera came on to play right-back, Lewis-Skelly shifted to the left, and Rice returned to his usual midfield role. The Englishman was jeered by the home fans, having spent nine years at West Ham.
As time wore on, Arsenal dominated possession but created fewer clear-cut chances than in the opening period. On the 70th minute, the visitors appealed for a handball penalty.
An Arsenal player’s loud shout of frustration was picked up by the broadcast, but the referee waved away the penalty. Replays showed the hand was in a supporting position, which typically doesn’t draw a foul in England.
In the 78th minute, West Ham had their best chance. Mateus Fernandes found himself clean through on goal. The Portuguese player exchanged a one-two, took several touches, aimed, and fired—but his shot struck goalkeeper Raya, who had rushed out. It was arguably the save of the season, evoking emotions similar to Martinez’s stop in the 2022 World Cup final.
Moments later, Arsenal punished their opponents. A series of approaches ended with Ødegaard laying the ball off to Trossard, who struck first time. That goal could well be the Belgian’s most important of his career.
However, in stoppage time, West Ham appeared to equalize in the 95th minute. Replays showed Raya’s arm was tugged just as he caught the ball. VAR intervened, the referee was called to the monitor, and the goal was disallowed—sparing Arsenal fans from heartbreak.
The victory allowed Arsenal to open a five-point gap over second-place Manchester City, though City still have a game in hand. If Arteta’s side can win their remaining matches…
