Arsenal defeated West Ham 2-0 in the London Derby. In a match that had a lot at stake for both the teams, it was Arsenal that proved to be victorious. Arsenal also moved into the top four in the Premier League table with this victory over their London rivals West Ham. It was a solid display by Mikel Arteta’s young Arsenal. As we look at four candidates for the Man of the match for Arsenal against West Ham :
#4 Gabriel Martinelli
Martinelli sent Soucek for a hotdog there 😭 pic.twitter.com/17goPkXmZo
— Ibrahim Gunner (@IBMgunner7) December 15, 2021
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Gabriel Martinelli scored the opening goal for Arsenal in the beginning of the second half. Martinelli breezed past the West Ham defenders and opened his body to finish as he left Lukas Fabianski no chance in goal. Gabriel also had a cheeky nutmeg on Tomas Soucek. Martinelli’s opener makes him a strong candidate for the man of the match award as Arsenal was left frustrated in the first half, his opener was crucial for Arsenal’s victory.
#3 Takehiro Tomiyasu
ALL of Arsenal’s back four won 100% of their ground duels 🆚 West Ham:
Advertisement🇯🇵 Takehiro Tomiyasu (5/5)
🏴 Kieran Tierney (3/3)
🏴 Ben White (2/2)
🇧🇷 Gabriel (2/2)💯#AFC | #Arsenal | #ARSWHU | #PL pic.twitter.com/Y9hmpQ4ZUS
— EPL Statman (@EPLStatman) December 15, 2021
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The Japanese International hardly did anything wrong throughout the game leaving the West Ham attackers frustrated. He was also instrumental in Arsenal’s second goal with his tackle on Benrahma which opened the opportunity for Saka. Tomiyasu also won 100% of his ground duels vs West Ham making him a candidate for the man of the match award.
#2 Bukayo Saka
finally🤣 @BukayoSaka87 pic.twitter.com/VH1sHlC8O2
Advertisement— Emile Smith Rowe (@emilesmithrowe) December 15, 2021
The England International was on song today as he made a mockery of Arthur Masuaku throughout the game. Bukayo Saka created plenty of opportunities for Arsenal players to score with Granit Xhaka missing a chance. Saka also strung the counter-attack which was finished brilliantly by his England compatriot Emile Smith-Rowe.
#1 Alexandre Lacazette
Shame about the penalty, because I thought Lacazette was brilliant today. Led the team well, combined with the front players and did what we needed.
Hope he keeps it up. pic.twitter.com/FMFSFX4iKY
— Max. ✍🏼 (@AFCMax9) December 15, 2021
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In the whole conundrum relating to Arsenal’s captaincy, it was Lacazette who led the Arsenal side. Lacazette showed his qualities throughout the game with excellent hold-up play and pressing. Alexandre Lacazette also assisted Arsenal’s opener with a lovely pass for Gabriel Martinelli. Despite missing the penalty that he won, Lacazette’s overall display makes him an ideal candidate for the man of the match award. As we finish looking at four candidates for the man of the match award for Arsenal against West Ham.
