Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham: Martinelli strikes in 2-0 win

Arsenal moved into the top four on Wednesday night as Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe strike in the second-half to secure a vital 2-0 win over ten-men West Ham in the Premier League.

All the talk pre-match centred around the dethroned captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who was not considered for selection off the back of him being stripped of the armband. Alexandre Lacazette led the line in his stead.

Mikel Arteta opted to make no changes to his back five for the third match running, while the midfield duo of Thomas Partey and Granit Xhaka kept their places. So too did Martin Odegaard.

It was in the forward line where the biggest decision would come, with a tussle for the spot on the left won by Gabriel Martinelli to ensure that the same team was fielded three matches running.

Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham as Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe secure 2-0 Premier League to move Gunners into top four

It was a purposeful start from Arsenal who pressed and counter-pressed with more conviction than they have done in weeks. A makeshift Hammers backline was there to be got at.

No goals came in the first half with the hosts seeing two penalty appeals waved away, and while the chances were few and far between until the latter stages barring Kieran Tierney’s thunderous drive being tipped onto the crossbar, it was a positive and energised display.

The goal came shortly after half-time as Lacazette’s wonderfully weighted through ball fed Martinelli in and the Brazilian channeled his inner No. 14 with a lovely finish into the far corner.

Arsenal then won a very dubious penalty that saw Coufal sent off for a second yellow card, one Lacazette won and, for the first time in his Gunners career, one he missed.

Unable to consolidate the win, Smith Rowe finally wrapped the points up with a delightful low strike from outside the box to move the Gunners into the top four.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 7/10 – Next to nothing for Ramsdale to do with West Ham barely threatening and sitting in a block that limited his options in possession. Made one key save but otherwise untested.

Takehiro Tomiyasu (RB) – 8/10 – Having such a two-footed full-back does wonders for opening angles when building and Tomiyasu did some excellent work in finding Saka down the right. An absolute rock, once again.

Benjamin White (CB) – 7/10 – Perhaps not quite as crisp as you would like, the options in possession stunted his impact from a progressive sense. Did his defensive duties well, though, and offered Antonio precious little.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – One or two nervy moments but Gabriel clearly loved the physical challenge on the night and stood up to every duel. Proactive defending throughout.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 8/10 – Wasn’t quite as adventurous when receiving the ball in the first hald, as it’s still noticeable that many passes into him limit his options in front. However, he took up the advanced wide positions that allowed Martinelli to keep the Hammers’ defenders second guessing and linked up with the Brazilian well all night.

Looking closer to his best.

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