West Ham United suffered a third straight Premier League defeat for the second time this season after losing 3-1 to league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Having taken a first half lead through a Said Benrahma penalty, goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah in the second half sealed victory for the Gunners, leaving West Ham 16th and only clear of the relegation zone by a single point.
Here is how football.london ’s West Ham United writer Jonty Colman rated the Hammers’ players against the Gunners.
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Lukasz Fabianski
Fabianski was back at the Emirates Stadium, where he previously played during his stint as a goalkeeper for Arsenal. Had little to do in the first half after conceding to Saka early on at his near post, being saved by the offside flag. Little he could do for Saka's equaliser from close-range with Nketiah's also coming from near to him, but he did not get over his near-post frailties, conceding in that exact fashion when Martinelli put Arsenal ahead. One of his worst displays this season. 5
Vladimir Coufal
There was a first league start in more than two months for Coufal at right-back, replacing the inured Kurt Zouma in a defensive reshuffle. Had a brilliant first half, despite being harshly booked for a challenge that saw him win the ball cleanly before catching Martinelli's ankle. Played Saka onside for the equalising goal and saw Martinelli score from his side of the pitch, although not really his fault. Like many of West Ham's players, dropped off in the second half. 6
Thilo Kehrer
Germany international Kehrer played at centre-back with Zouma and Nayef Aguerd injured and Angelo Ogbonna left on the bench. Like many, a really good rearguard action in the first half on his return, but his poor World Cup campaign continued in the second half. Passing was poor at times and Nketiah got past him way too easily for Arsenal's third goal. Zouma sorely missed. 5
Craig Dawson
Partnering Kehrer was Dawson, who spent much of the campaign next to Zouma and needed to get pretty familiar with Kehrer in a partnership against a side flying high at the top of the league. Superb in the first half, meeting many of Arsenal's aerial passes and crosses into the box with conviction. Unlucky, like most of West Ham's players, to get caught out for the levelling goal. Not really at fault for any goal, but failed to keep his first half stronghold on Arsenal's free-scoring forwards. 6
Aaron Cresswell
Cresswell had the tricky job of marking England's top scorer at the World Cup in Saka. Did well, barring an early scare, in the first half, commanded the line well early on in the absence of Zouma. Saka did however got too much joy after the break against the Hammers' vice-captain. 6
Declan Rice (Star man)
West Ham captain Rice was superb in the first half, one of the best players on the pitch, making a number of last-ditch challenges and tried to take his side up the pitch. Uncharacteristically found himself outmuscled by Saka twice in the build-up to Arsenal's second goal, a rare error. Did not really do too much wrong barring that. 7
Tomas Soucek
Czech Republic international Soucek was needed for his defensive duties quite severely early on and made a few good challenges in the centre of the park. Really poor after half-time, both in possession and passing, as well as failing to battle an Arsenal midfield who just played it around him with ease. The man sacrificed first for Fornals. 5
Jarrod Bowen
After two goals and three impressive performances during the mid-season break, Bowen went into the game desperate to re-kindle his scoring form of last season. Bowen may not have scored but was an excellent outlet throughout the first half, and it was on one of those runs where he won the Hammers a first half penalty. Had less he was able to chase onto after the break, but an outlet in a side that largely had their backs against the wall. 7
Lucas Paqueta
Paqueta was also back in the fold following a 2022 World Cup campaign in which he scored and provided an assist for Brazil. Starting in an advanced role, he helped at times to get West Ham up the pitch with his hold up play and quick feet, the latter doing well to force a foul out of Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard. Sometimes, however, he tried too much. Dropped deeper towards the end to partner Rice and was good and winning the ball back, perhaps a sign to play him deeper more often. 6
Said Benrahma
Benrahma, like Bowen on the other side, showed he could stretch Arsenal's defence on the break. Took his penalty well to take him to five goals for the season in all competitions. Sometimes took the shoot on too early but constantly gave Ben White something to think about. He also did his defensive duties well at times. 7
Michail Antonio
Having missed the final mid-season friendly away at Fulham nine days ago, Antonio was back for his first league start after a calf strain, replacing the injured Gianluca Scamacca. A real passenger early on but sprung himself into the game when chasing a counter attack that saw him play in Bowen to win the penalty. Often marked out of the game, but did what he could to win hold up fouls. Looked more in it after his hand in winning the spot kick, before coming off late on. 6
Substitutes
Pablo Fornals
After a run of three goals in two starts before the World Cup break, Fornals was bought on with just over 10 minutes remaining to try and get a late fightback. Unable to do so, though. Lively when on and forced Aaron Ramsdale into one of the only saves he had to make late on. 6
Divin Mubama
There was a Premier League debut with less than five minutes remaining for 18-year-old Divin Mubama, drawing a foul out of Gabriel Magalhaes. N/A
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