Arsenal's Premier League title hopes a took a major knock after losing 1-0 to London rivals West Ham United on Saturday evening.
Premier League
Result: Arsenal 0-1 West Ham United
Date: 22 February 2025
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Mikel Merino was rewarded with a start for the Gunners after his match-winning brace against Leicester City, while Riccardo Calafiori came in for Myles Lewis-Skelly.The Gunners dominated possession in the early stages of the first half, with Ethan Nwaneri looking to carve out some openings down the right flank as he did against Leicester seven days ago.
The first half was reminiscent of the Gunners' win over Leicester, with the Hammers quite happy to sit back and soak up the pressure while hoping to catch their London counter-parts on the counter.
That all changed just three minutes before the break as West Ham took the lead when Aaron Wan-Bissaka carved out some space before picking out Jarrod Bowen, who headed home from close range.
With the hosts struggling to create chances, Arteta responded with a double change ten minutes into the second half as Declan Rice and Calafiori made way for Oleksandr Zinchenko and Lewis-Skelly.
Lewis-Skelly didn't last too long as the Gunners full-back was shown a straight red card in the 73rd minute for bringing down Mohammed Kudus, who raced clear on the goal.
Despite being a man down, the Gunners threw everything forward in search of an equaliser but the Hammers remained resolute and held on for maximum points.
The Gunners could end the weekend 11 points behind Liverpool by the end of the Premier League weekend.
