Arsenal 3-1 West Ham: Player ratings as Gunners come from behind for Boxing Day win

Arsenal celebrated their return to Premier League action with a come-from-behind 3-1 victory over West Ham at the Emirates on Boxing Day.

Supporters thought they’d been treated to yet another early goal, but Bukayo Saka’s thumping effort was ruled out for offside. The Gunners asserted control thereafter, but it was the visitors who took the lead from the spot after a poor defensive sequence from William Saliba.

Said Benrahma converted from 12 yards after Saliba brought down Jarrod Bowen in what was a rather peculiar penalty incident.

A roar from the home faithful re-energised the behind hosts, but West Ham did a stellar job in thwarting the Gunners before half-time.

The visitors’ stoutness dissipated after the break, however, even if there was a hint of fortune in Arsenal’s turnaround. Bukayo Saka drew the league leaders level after pouncing on a Martin Odegaard mishit before Gabriel Martinelli sneaked his effort beyond Lukasz Fabianski at the near post to give Arsenal the lead.

Buoyed by a raucous Emirates crowd, Arsenal seized upon a dishevelled West Ham and added a third through Eddie Nketiah, who turned beautifully in the box before finishing beyond Fabianski.

It was an enjoyable procession from there on out as David Moyes’ side barely laid a glove on the purring hosts in the closing stages.

Arsenal 3-1 West Ham player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 3-1 victory over West Ham on Boxing Day.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 6.5/10 – Beaten from the spot but wasn’t tested a huge amount in open play. Made a comfortable but nonetheless important save to deny Michail Antonio from doubling West Ham’s lead just after half-time.

Ben White (RB) – 7/10 – Instrumental in the lead-up to Arsenal’s third with some typically composed work with the ball. White was secure, steady, and willing to contribute when necessary in the final third.

William Saliba (CB) – 6/10 – We’ll attribute his penalty giveaway to Qatari rust because Saliba was pretty assured otherwise.

Gabriel (CB) – 7/10 – Duelled pretty well with the rugged Antonio in what was a serene showing from the Brazilian. No bone-headed moments.

Kieran Tierney (LB) – 5.5/10 – Struggled against Bowen one-vs-one but improved in this regard after the break. Offered some thrust going forward.

Continued on the next slide…