ARSENAL’S title hopes took a dent after a 2-2 draw at West Ham.
Gabriel Jesus got Mikel Arteta’s outfit off to the perfect start by opening the scoring after seven minutes.
And it appeared to be a game where Arsenal might blow away the Hammers when Martin Odegaard converted a crisp volley to make it 2-0 after just ten minutes.
However, things began to turn sour when Thomas Partey had the ball robbed off of him by Declan Rice, leading to the penalty with Said Benrahma duly converted.
Bukayo Saka, ever so reliable from 12 yards this season, then missed a penalty shortly after the break before Jarrod Bowen volleyed past Aaron Ramsdale.
The result leaves Arsenal with a lead over Manchester City of just four points.
Here’s how SunSport’s Tony Robertson rated the Gunners.
Aaron Ramsdale – 6
Unfortunately dived the wrong way for the penalty before tipping over a potentially dangerous header later on.
Could have done better with Jarrod Bowen’s volleyed equaliser shortly after the break.
Ben White – 7
Got an assist with the opener thanks to a perfectly weighted pass across the goal.
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Failed to get out quickly enough with to hold an offside trap when Bowen fired home the equaliser.
Rob Holding – 5
Caught out in behind a couple of times when isolated against Michail Antonio. Struggled in the physical battle against the West Ham star all game.
Like White, guilty of failing to get up quickly enough when Bowen ran in behind for his equaliser.
Gabriel – 6
Gave away a foul on Lucas Paqueta for Benrahma’s penalty.
Covered Holding well when Antonio looked to have an advantage, though like Holding had a tough time when isolated against Antonio one on one.
Kieran Tierney – 7
Replaced Oleksandr Zinchenko in the line up and was solid throughout.
Failed to track Bowen on the equaliser. Subbed off after 85 minutes as Arsenal went for the win.
Thomas Partey – 6
Slipped in White when he set up the opener. Always available for as a passing option but left far from his best when it came to his more defensive duties.
Gave the ball away to Declan Rice in the build up to the penalty and received a yellow card for a cynical foul shortly after. Subbed off after 66 minutes.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Not afraid to get down and dirty against West Ham.
Gritty performance but was unable to lift up the rest of below par midfield.
Martin Odegaard – 6
Scored a crisp volley but went quiet soon after.
Far from his creative best and subbed off after 90 minutes.
Bukayo Saka – 5
Missed from 12 yards just before Bowen’s equaliser. Started brightly but faded, culminating in the penalty miss.
Wasted a great chance by going alone when three on two on a counter-attack in the 70th minute.
Gabriel Martinelli – 6
Beautiful cross to set up Odegaard’s volley, but like his captain went quiet for much of the rest.
Subbed off after 85 minutes.
Gabriel Jesus – 8
Scored an early goal to try settle any Arsenal nerves. Appeared to work a treat as the Gunners scored a swift second before the team’s defensive collapse.
Led the line well and produced some brilliant touches in a role more similar to a false nine. Subbed after 66 minutes.
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard (on for Jesus 66mins) – 7
Once again a lively performance off the bench but couldn’t offer a big enough spark for the rest of the Gunner’s misfiring attack.
Jorginho (on for Partey 66mins) – 6
Gave the Gunners a more secure passing option than Partey had offered prior to him.
Reiss Nelson (On for Martinelli 85mins) – 6
Few decent touches but not really enough time to make mark.
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Fabio Vieira (On for Tierney 85mins) – 5
Offered little after coming on. Like Nelson too little time for impact.
Eddie Nketiah (on for Odegaard) – N/A
Not enough time to make mark.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
