Gunners fight back for a point at London Stadium

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 21: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal interacts with Calum Chambers of Arsenal after the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on March 21, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Paul Childs - Pool/Getty Images)

Premier League: West Ham 3 – 3 Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s Gunners came from three goals down to salvage a point against West Ham last Sunday. Arteta stated that his Arsenal side will give him nightmares after a shocking opening half hour at the London Stadium.

Moyes and West Ham got off to a flying start with a super strike from Jesse Lingard after 15 minutes. A few minutes later Lingard turned provider for Jarrod Bowen who put the Hammers into an early 2-0 lead.

LONDON, ENGLAND – MARCH 21: Jesse Lingard of West Ham United celebrates after scoring their sides first goal during the Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at London Stadium on March 21, 2021 in London, England. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Justin Tallis – Pool/Getty Images)

Lingard has now scored five goals since joining the Hammers in January. Lingard’s recent form has seen him selected for Gareth Southgate’s England squad for the upcoming internationals.

Tomas Soucek made it 3-0 around the half hour mark, before offering a lifeline to Arsenal as he diverted Lacazette’s shot into his own net. Arsenal came flying out the traps second half and mounted pressure on the West Ham goal.

It took another helping hand from the Hammers to get Arsenal back into the game, this time it was Craig Dawson. Dawson scored an own goal as he tried to cut out Callum Chambers cross but instead made the score 3-2.

Lacazette to the rescue

The comeback was well and truly on and West Ham had chances to extend their lead. They could not hang on however as Alexander Lacazette headed in a late equaliser to complete the comeback.

A point a piece in an exhilarating game where both sides could have quite easily of taken all three. Arteta would be happy with his sides reaction but expressed his disappointment in the nature of the goals his side conceded. A point means Arsenal will sit ninth in the table going into the international break.

David Moyes spoke to the BBC after the game and said he was still pleased with a point. Moyes said “It would have been nice to take another two points but we haven’t lost too much ground today.”

A blow for West Ham’s top four hopes as they sit in fifth, two points behind fourth placed Chelsea. Whatever the outcome for West Ham, there has been a significant improvement from their last campaign where they narrowly avoided relegation. Next up for West Ham is a trip to Wolves on the 5th of April after the international break.