On April 7, 2007, Arsenal faced West Ham United in a Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium. West Ham United secured a surprising 1-0 victory, becoming the first away team to win at Arsenal’s new stadium.
Key Statistics and Analysis
- Scoreline and Goal Timings:
- Arsenal: 0
- West Ham United: 1 (Bobby Zamora 45′)
- Possession:
- Arsenal dominated possession with 70%, while West Ham United had 30%. Arsenal’s control of the ball reflected their dominance in the match, but West Ham’s resilient defense and clinical finishing made the difference.
- Shots:
- Arsenal registered 29 shots, with 11 on target, showcasing their attacking intent and the pressure they applied on West Ham’s defense. West Ham United had just 5 shots, with 2 on target, making the most of their limited opportunities.
- Passing Accuracy:
- Arsenal displayed a high passing accuracy of 87%, completing 558 passes out of 641 attempts. West Ham had a passing accuracy of 66%, completing 164 passes out of 247 attempts. Despite Arsenal’s superior passing and control, they were unable to break down West Ham’s determined defense.
- Defensive Statistics:
- West Ham made 27 tackles compared to Arsenal’s 11, highlighting their aggressive and committed defensive effort. West Ham’s defenders, particularly goalkeeper Robert Green, were key in keeping Arsenal at bay despite the home side’s relentless pressure.
- Set Pieces:
- The only goal of the match came from open play, with Bobby Zamora scoring just before halftime after latching onto a long ball over the top and chipping the ball over Jens Lehmann. Arsenal’s inability to capitalize on their numerous set pieces and open play opportunities ultimately cost them.
- Individual Performances:
- Robert Green was the standout player for West Ham United, making a series of crucial saves to preserve their lead and secure the victory. Bobby Zamora’s goal was the decisive moment, showcasing his composure and finishing ability. For Arsenal, Robin van Persie and Cesc Fàbregas were among the most active players, creating several chances, but they were unable to find a way past Green.
- Tactical Overview:
- Arsenal employed their typical 4-4-2 formation, focusing on maintaining possession, quick passing, and attacking through the wings. West Ham United used a 4-5-1 formation, prioritizing defensive solidity and looking to counter-attack when possible. West Ham’s tactics were effective, as they absorbed Arsenal’s pressure and struck on the counter to score the winning goal.
- Disciplinary:
- The match saw two yellow cards, both for West Ham United (Jonathan Spector 54′, Mark Noble 73′). These fouls were largely tactical, aimed at breaking up Arsenal’s play and preventing quick transitions.
- Corners and Offsides:
- Arsenal won 14 corners compared to West Ham’s 1, reflecting their sustained pressure and territorial dominance. Arsenal were caught offside 5 times, while West Ham had 1 offside call, indicating Arsenal’s aggressive forward play and West Ham’s disciplined defensive line.
Summary
West Ham United’s 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium was a classic example of a well-executed defensive performance combined with clinical finishing. Despite Arsenal’s dominance in possession and the number of chances they created, West Ham’s resilience, led by a superb performance from goalkeeper Robert Green, ensured they left with all three points. Bobby Zamora’s goal just before halftime was the difference, as Arsenal’s attack failed to find a way through West Ham’s defense. The win was crucial for West Ham in their battle against relegation and marked a significant achievement as they became the first team to win at Arsenal’s new home. For Arsenal, the defeat was a frustrating result, as they struggled to convert their dominance into goals, highlighting the importance of finishing in tight matches.
