West Ham 0-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners strike late to go one step closer to title

Arsenal struck late on to win 1-0 at West Ham and take a huge step towards winning the Premier League title.

As his decision to stick paid off once again in midweek against Atletico Madrid, Mikel Arteta opted to field the same side that overcame the Spanish team and Fulham the game before.

The Gunners went close to going in front through a corner when Leandro Trossard met Declan Rice's delivery to head toward goal, but it was saved by Mads Hermansen before his follow-up effort struck the post.

Riccardo Calafiori then went inches away from putting his side in front as a smart move ended in him firing from the edge of the box, but his strike curled away from goal and went just past the woodwork.

David Raya came to his side's rescue minutes before half-time when Taty Castellanos met a cross with a diving header, prompting the Spaniard to dive and tip it out for a corner, ensuring the scoreline was goalless at the break.

Arsenal stepped up near the hour mark and began to pressure West Ham once again, swinging corners and crosses into the box while dominating possession in and around the area.

However, nothing was paying off for the Gunners so Arteta rolled the dice by bringing off Martín Zubimendi and Eberechi Eze for Martin Ødegaard and Kai Havertz.

West Ham found their feet once again and were denied by Raya in extraordinary circumstances as Mateus Fernandes was played through on goal and looked destined to score, but the Spaniard stood strong and kept it out with what could be pivotal in the title race.

It did prove to be crucial as minutes later, Ødegaard smartly worked his way into the box before squaring for Trossard, whose strike deflected into the back of the net, sending his teammates and supporters into raptures.

The North Londoners had their hearts in their mouths deep into stoppage time when Callum Wilson thought he had equalised for the Hammers through a corner, but a very lengthy VAR check saw the equaliser ruled out.

Arsenal saw out the rest of the time to secure the huge three points and go into the final two games of the season five points clear at the top of the table.

Here are the Gunners' player ratings from their 1-0 win at West Ham.

West Ham 0-1 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 8/10 - Made a huge save to deny Castellanos late in the first half. Kept the score level with a crucial stop against Fernandes just minutes before the winning goal.

Ben White (RB) - 6/10 - Forced off with an injury before the half hour mark. Unfortunate as it could bring an early end to his recent good form.

William Saliba (CB) - 7/10 - Solid at the back and absolutely crucial in his side keeping a clean sheet.

Gabriel Magalhaes (CB) - 7/10 - Same as his partner, brilliant at the back and pivotal in his side taking the three points.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 7/10 - Went close with an effort from the edge early on, but it was just wide of the post. Saw a flicked header for the opener cleared away. Taken off at the break to balance the backline.

Midfielders

Declan Rice (CM) - 8/10 - Caused problems with his set piece deliveries. Had to switch to right back when White went off, but returned to midfield after half-time. Sold in both positions and helped his side out defensively in crucial moments.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (CM) - 7/10 - Solid in midfield, but had to switch to left back after White's injury. Continued to impress there as he played his usual inverted role while looking calm and composed on the ball.

Eberechi Eze (AM) - 6.5/10 - Didn't quite do it in the midfield today. Involved in some nice moves early on, but his influence faded throughout and he was taken off with just over 20 minutes to play.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - 6/10 - Keen to cut in and shoot on his left, but didn't come off for him. Not at his best today and an unnecessary yellow card summed that up late on. Withdrawn in the closing stages.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - 6/10 - Won some physical battles, but an absent presence for most of the game. A vast difference to his recent performances. Can't be faulted for holding his own though.

Leandro Trossard (LW) - 7.5/10 - Played a brilliant outside of the boot pass to send Calafiori through. Denied the opener by a save and then the post. Looked lively before the break, but that faded after the restart. Made amends when he grabbed the winning goal.

Substitutes

• Martín Zubimendi (on 28' for White) - 6.5/10
• Cristhian Mosquera (on 46' for Calafiori) - 6.5/10
• Martin Ødegaard (on 67' for Eze) - 7.5/10
• Kai Havertz (on 67' for Zubimendi) - 6/10
• Noni Madueke (on 80' for Saka) - 6/10

Player of the match: Declan Rice

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