Dominant second half gives Emery first win in England

Marko Arnautovic gave the ‘Hammers’ the lead but goals from Nacho Monreal and Danny Welbeck either side of an own goal were enough to give Arsenal the three points and get their season up and running. West Ham meanwhile remain pointless and rooted to the bottom of the table.

Manuel Pellegrini attempted to halt his side’s slide by making four changes. Mark Noble was out with injury and Javier Hernandez dropped to the bench, while Carlos Sanchez and Issa Diop came in to make their West Ham debuts. Diop in particular was to have a rude awakening to life in England.

Not that he would have known it after 25 minutes. Arnautovic played a neat one-two with Felipe Anderson before firing a low effort into the bottom corner from 18 yards that Cech could do nothing about. Unfortunately for West Ham, Arsenal quickly dampened any hopes of a smash and grab victory.

Hector Bellerin’s cross found Nacho Monreal via a touch off of Alex Iwobi and the left-back made no mistake, smashing a finish into the roof of the net to bring Arsenal level.

Half time came and went of both sides seemed to struggle to find their rhythm in the game - that was until the introduction of Alexandre Lacazette. The French forward had been left on the bench again but with Aubameyang shifted out to the left and the former Lyon man through the middle Arsenal suddenly carried a whole new threat.

He made his mark shortly after, crafting a cross from a narrow angle that caught Diop by surprise. The young defender, bought from Toulouse in the summer, could do nothing as the ball deflected off him and into the net.

 

25 August 2018

In truth, Arsenal’s naivety in seeing out the game did offer West Ham some chances on the break. Emery insists on a high press and continued to do so when sitting back may have been the more sensible option. Anderson in particular was able to break with the ball and if his supporting cast had their finishing boots on then the result could have been different.

As it was, with time running out, Bellerin was able to find Welbeck free in the box. The England striker was given the freedom to turn and rifle a strong finish into the back of the net.

The result brings more worry for Manuel Pellegrini, who is winless in three at the London Stadium now. His defence looked suspect and his attack a little blunt. Unai Emery had been facing many of the same problems early in the season, but it is always better to have some points on the board. He will be hoping that it is the start of something rather than just papering over the cracks.

 

25 August 2018