West Ham Wasted Three Points!

West Ham 3-3 Arsenal - Sunday 21st March 2021.

A short summary of my thoughts on the West Ham vs Arsenal game, which ended as a 3-3 draw....

That was Arsenal’s season in two halves. The opening half hour was absolutely diabolical and lacklustre from Arsenal, who were completely dominated by the Hammers in the opening of the game.

The second half the Gunners came out firing and Arteta’s team talk worked as Arsenal looked like a completely different team. Within the last fifteen minutes of first half, it's fair to say Arsenal were the team on top and this continued in the second half. In the first sixty seconds of the players coming out for the last forty-five minutes, Arsenal had a fantastic chance when Lacazette had a lobbed shot cleared off the line that was going goal bound by West Ham.

A big mention to Calum Chambers - a surprise start at right back played a crucial role in Arsenal’s comeback. Vital crosses and initial build up play which earned him the Man of the Match award. Lacazette’s hold up play and chance creation alongside Odegaard was superb. Arsenal need to sign Odegaard in the summer; whatever the cost! His ability under pressure with opposition players around him, his movement and his world class chance creation at times is what they desperately need. But if the Gunners don’t get Champions League football it’ll be hard.

Another great performance from Jesse Lingard today, just reinforcing why he's been selected for the England squad. His current form since moving to the Hammers after his downfall at United is nothing short of admirable. He just needs to keep it up now.

West Ham will be frustrated at themselves for throwing away a 3-0 lead and getting one point instead of the three. With the Hammer's fantastic season this year, fans will be hoping they can push through the last few games strong and qualify for Europe, which would be great to see them competing in.

From Arsenal's point of view, if they play like they did in the first half, in the Europa League, they’re going to have a dreadful end to their season. Lapses in concentration, not starting strong, and simply giving away goals will ruin their chances of getting Champions League football next year. Which in turn will heavily impact them on their chances of signing top quality players, such as Odegaard, should they wish to make him a permanent signing.

To conclude, the West Ham vs Arsenal game was a fantastic spectacle, especially for the neutrals. Six goals which included a 3-0 cushion for West Ham only for Arsenal to comeback to make it a 3-3 result. The Gunners showed fight and determination to not lose in East London today.