west ham vs arsenal

West Ham vs. Arsenal: November 30, 2024, Premier League Clash

Match Overview

The Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal on November 30, 2024, was a thrilling encounter held at the London Stadium. Arsenal continued their strong campaign with an assertive performance, winning the game 4-2. The Gunners demonstrated clinical finishing in the first half, building an early lead that proved insurmountable for West Ham despite their spirited fightback in the second half.

First Half: Arsenal Dominate

Arsenal started on the front foot, scoring four goals within the opening 36 minutes:

Gabriel Magalhães opened the scoring in the 10th minute with a header off a pinpoint cross from Bukayo Saka.
Leandro Trossard doubled Arsenal’s advantage in the 27th minute, again assisted by Saka, whose pace and creativity wreaked havoc on West Ham’s defense.
A penalty by Martin Ødegaard in the 34th minute extended the lead to 3-0.
Just two minutes later, Kai Havertz capped the stellar first-half performance with a tidy finish from a Trossard assist.

West Ham struggled to contain Arsenal’s dynamic midfield trio of Ødegaard, Declan Rice, and Jorginho, while Saka and Trossard dominated the flanks. Arsenal’s pressing and quick transitions left the Hammers overwhelmed.

Second Half: West Ham’s Resurgence

Despite the lopsided first half, West Ham rallied in the second half, scoring twice:

Aaron Wan-Bissaka struck in the 38th minute with a deflected shot, assisted by Carlos Soler.
Emerson pulled another back in the 40th minute, giving West Ham a glimmer of hope.

However, Arsenal’s defensive discipline in the latter stages ensured they maintained their two-goal cushion until the final whistle.

Tactical Breakdown

Arsenal (4-3-3): Mikel Arteta’s side played a fluid attacking game with overlapping full-backs and aggressive pressing. Saka and Trossard’s interplay was a standout feature.
West Ham (4-2-3-1): Despite some good moments in the second half, David Moyes’ team struggled with defensive organization in the first half. Their late goals reflected their ability to exploit Arsenal’s occasional lapses in concentration.

Key Players

Bukayo Saka (Arsenal): Two assists and relentless energy on the right flank.
Leandro Trossard (Arsenal): A goal and an assist, showcasing creativity and composure.
Aaron Wan-Bissaka (West Ham): Provided a goal and defensive stability in the second half.

Context and Implications

Arsenal’s win kept them firmly in contention for the Premier League title, closing the gap on league leaders Liverpool. West Ham, despite the loss, showed resilience and remain mid-table, continuing to aim for European qualification spots.

This game highlighted Arsenal’s attacking firepower and adaptability, as well as West Ham’s capacity to fight back against top opposition despite structural challenges.