West Ham United (1) 2 v 2 (2) Arsenal
33 Benrahma (pen.) 7 Jesus, assist White
54 Bowen, assist Kehrer 10 Odegaard, assist Martinelli
Yellows: nil Partey, Jesus Ref. David Coote
Played Sunday 16 April 2023 at The London Stadium, attendance not declared.
Arsenal began this match at a gallop. By 10 minutes they were 2-0 ahead and a cricket score looked possible. West Ham United dug in and their players began to play. A soft first-half penalty, well taken by Said Benrahma, put them back in the game. The first 10 minutes of the second-half contained the crucial drama. On 52 minutes The Gunners were awarded a penalty for what might have been called “unintentional handball” in an earlier season but there was no protest. Bukayo Saka, in his 53rd game of the season, struck his shot hard and wide. Within 2 minutes the error was compounded as inform Hammer Jarrod Bowen neatly volleyed home Thilo Kehrer’s lofted through ball. West Ham United had their vital point at the end. Arsenal began looking over their shoulders at fast approaching Manchester City.
West Ham United’s improved Premier League (PL) form means they now are 15th with 31 points from 30 games and are playing with more confidence. That has never been a problem in the Europa Conference League where they are still unbeaten. Their 4-1 home win over KAA Gent of Belgium means they won their Quarter Final 5-1 and are now through to a Semi-Final against AZ Alkmaar of Belgium. Well done!
The next Premier London Derbies (PLDs) match is Chelsea v Brentford on Wednesday 26 April 2023. It’s now 4 defeats out of 4 for Frank Lampard in his second Managerial spell at Stamford Bridge after the defeat by Real Madrid which put them out of the UEFA Champions League on Tuesday 18 April. Last season The Bees had a handsome 1-4 away win in the first playing of this PLDs fixture. With The Blues confidence at rock bottom it may well be more misery for the home fans despite the Club’s riches and player assets. Until next time, “Keep Safe” and enjoy your football, Andrew at PLDs.