West Ham 2-2 Arsenal | Tactical Analysis

Arsenal and West Ham drew in a match in which Arteta’s side were far superior in the first 10 minutes.

Arsenal FC

In possession

We started by watching Arsenal’s build up with a novelty in this game, as Thomas Partey’s partner in the double pivot was constantly changing. Normally it was Tierney as inverted fullback, the usual role for the left-back. Although we can see how Gabriel Jesus, Xhaka and Ødegaard are close to the ball as West Ham press with many players. Each of them accompanying Thomas in the double pivot at some stage of the game.

Gabriel Jesus had a lot of mobility, usually dropping to link up in midfield. Xhaka used to attack the space, was much more involved in the ball and Ødegaard, who since West Ham’s equaliser dropped to receive the ball between centre-backs, forming the double pivot with Jorginho for the last half hour.

0-1

Arsenal’s first goal came after a good switch of play by Thomas. Saka, who is on the wing, attracts many West Ham players, dances into the box and finds Partey, who in turn lays the ball off to Odegaard. The Arsenal skipper slides a great pass through to White, that timed his run to perfection to stay onside from Odegaard’s cute pass and the low cross is tapped in by Gabriel Jesus, who was waiting very cleverly at the far post.

The second goal was a serious mistake by West Ham who again failed to defend the far post. Martinelli lifts a superb cross towards the back post, where Odegaard is left completely unmarked to volley through Fabianksi’s legs. This play was repeated minutes before with another cross.

West Ham United

1-2, 2-2

And West Ham’s 2 goals to tie the game came from serious defensive mistakes, the first from Thomas Partey in the build up, being very slow, and the second mistake from the defensive line not covering Bowen who attacks the back of the defensive line.

It will be these individual mistakes that will decide whether Arsenal win the Premier League or not.