Arsenal 2-2 West Ham: Arsenal’s Lack of Ruthlessness Cost Them Victory Against West Ham

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes took a severe hit after their 2-2 draw against West Ham United. The Gunners started the game brightly and surged into an early 2-0 lead through Gabriel Jesus and Martin Ødegaard. West Ham pulled one back from the penalty spot through Said Benrahma, after a controversial decision by VAR to not award a handball to Declan Rice in the build-up. Bukayo Saka missed a penalty that could have extended Arsenal’s lead, and West Ham capitalized on it, scoring two more goals through Tomas Soucek and Jarrod Bowen. Arsenal looked listless and devoid of creativity for long periods of the game, and West Ham were full value for the draw. The midfield trio of Rice, Soucek, and Lucas Paqueta was outstanding for the Hammers.

Arsenal had waltzed into their two-goal advantage, their pass-and-move football on point, simply too much for West Ham. It looked easy, and that was surely Arsenal’s mistake. They thought the game was done, and they lacked the ruthlessness to ensure it was. The difference between early-game Arsenal and the team after the Benrahma penalty was extraordinary.

Arsenal’s title hopes take a severe hit

It was a huge result for West Ham in their battle for survival, while Arsenal’s wait for the Premier League title looks set to continue. The Gunners’ game management and ruthlessness need improvement if they are to mount a serious title challenge. Arsenal’s inability to hold on to a lead and control the game against a relegation-threatened side could prove costly in their quest for silverware.