Football Special Report: Arsenal vs. West Ham United- Player Ratings and Man of the Match (Part 1)
The north London giants of Barclays Premier League fought hard to earn an important three points at their home through Alex Song’s late goal. It was hard for the bottom-placed, Hammers, because they did not get any reward for their efforts, but the result
keeps Arsene Wenger’s men at the second spot of the table with only five points behind Chelsea in Barclays Premier League.
It was not magnificent, free flowing game play from Arsenal at the Emirates, but the Gunners would be pleased that they managed to bag all three crucial points. While on the other hand, Avram Grant’s side will feel dispirited by the result, but they should
take some positives from their systematized performance in that crucial away fixture. The win means that the Gunners now have twenty points to their name, while West Ham United is at the bottom with only six points.
Nonetheless, here are the player ratings of all the players in the match and some light on the man of the match of both sides.
Arsenal Goalkeeper
Lukasz Fabianski: 7
It was another error-free night for the Gunners’ goalkeeper, and he is slowly winning over his doubters. The 25-year-old shot stopper was confident and assured, and did well to fist away two decent free kicks.
One of the notable moments of his performance was when he dragged Cesc by his shirt to a position he wanted him to be when the Gunners were defending a set piece, and Cesc headed the ball clear from the danger. It shows that Fabianski has gained a lot of
confidence from his previous displays, and can be Arsenal's future No. 1.
All in all, the in-form Fabianski endured a quiet afternoon as the Hammers’ attack rarely threatened his goal. However, when called upon, the Polish goalkeeper was calm and safe, maintaining his image as the new Arsenal number one goalie.
West Ham United Goalkeeper
Robert Green: 9
Without a doubt, it was an unbelievable performance from the West Ham’s number one, and he made one save after another.
Moreover, the Englishman controlled his box well, and also made plentiful reflex saves to keep his team in the match. He could not have done anything about the late impressive diving goal from Alex Song and was luckless not to bag a clean sheet for his impressive
performance.
Arsenal Defenders
Bacary Sagna: 7.5
Bacary Sagna was not offered a lot of width on the right flank, but the right-back made a lot of surging runs and tried his best to create the opener. Nonetheless, it was strong outing from the French defender.
Sagna provided impressive crosses along with tormenting runs down the right side, and looked confident in the match. The Frenchman was also solid at the back, and did not neglect his defensive duties.
Sebastien Squillaci: 7
The new signing of Arsene Wenger has provided a calming presence at the heart of Arsenal defence line, and was composed against Hammers. The 30-year-old centre half stuck to his task, and did not give much space for West Ham’s attackers.
Moreover, the Frenchman has been instrumental in Arsenal maintaining successive clean sheets, and seems to be a shrewd acquisition by ‘The Professor’.
On the whole, Sebastien Squillaci was strong and imposing at the back, providing a number of strong challenges as well as contributing as a leader too.
Laurent Koscielny: 7.5
Laurent Koscielny, who just returned from the injury, was strong in the air, and had good understanding of the game. The young Frenchman was tough, physical and elegant. He made numerous important interceptions and tackles, and was put on a good display
at the Emirates.
Generally, he never looked like being beaten by the powerful West Ham attack.
To be continued in part 2
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