Arsenal Stunned at Home as West Ham Clinch 1-0 Victory
Arsenal Stunned at Home as West Ham Clinch 1-0 Victory
Date: February 22, 2025
On Saturday, February 22, 2025, West Ham United secured a surprise 1-0 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium. A Jarrod Bowen goal proved to be the difference as the Hammers executed a disciplined defensive performance, handing Arsenal a significant setback in their title challenge.
Pre-Match Context
Arsenal’s Perspective
Arsenal entered this fixture as league leaders, aiming to extend their advantage at the top. Mikel Arteta’s side had won their last four league matches, and a victory against West Ham was crucial to maintaining their momentum in the title race.
West Ham’s Perspective
West Ham, managed by David Moyes, sat in 8th place, pushing for a European spot. After a 2-1 win over Bournemouth the previous week, the Hammers were looking to build on that momentum and cause an upset.
Team Formations and Lineups
Arsenal’s Formation: 4-3-3
Mikel Arteta deployed his preferred 4-3-3 formation, focusing on attacking fluidity and high pressing.
Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: David Raya
- Defenders: Ben White (RB), William Saliba (CB), Gabriel Magalhães (CB), Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB)
- Midfielders: Declan Rice (CDM), Martin Ødegaard (CM), Kai Havertz (CM)
- Forwards: Bukayo Saka (RW), Gabriel Jesus (ST), Leandro Trossard (LW)
With Ødegaard and Rice controlling the midfield, Arsenal relied on Saka and Trossard’s movement to create chances.
West Ham’s Formation: 5-4-1
David Moyes opted for a 5-4-1 defensive setup, aiming to frustrate Arsenal’s attack and hit on the counter.
Starting XI:
- Goalkeeper: Alphonse Areola
- Defenders: Vladimir Coufal (RWB), Kurt Zouma (CB), Nayef Aguerd (CB), Angelo Ogbonna (CB), Emerson Palmieri (LWB)
- Midfielders: Lucas Paquetá (RM), Tomas Soucek (CM), Edson Álvarez (CM), Jarrod Bowen (LM)
- Forward: Michail Antonio (ST)
West Ham’s setup focused on Bowen’s pace on the counter, while Antonio’s physicality provided an outlet up front.
First Half Analysis
Arsenal dominated early possession, probing West Ham’s low defensive block. However, clear-cut chances were limited, with the visitors defending deep and staying compact.
29th Minute – Bowen Stuns Arsenal
West Ham capitalized on a rare attacking opportunity when Jarrod Bowen finished off a swift counter-attack, slotting the ball past Raya after a precise through ball from Lucas Paquetá. The goal gave West Ham a 1-0 lead, forcing Arsenal to chase the game.
Despite several efforts from Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Jesus, Areola made key saves to preserve the lead.
Second Half Adjustments
Mikel Arteta responded by introducing Eddie Nketiah and Fabio Vieira early in the second half to add more attacking energy.
58th Minute – Havertz’s Disallowed Goal
Arsenal thought they had equalized when Kai Havertz tapped in from close range, but VAR ruled him offside, keeping West Ham ahead.
74th Minute – Areola Denies Arsenal Again
Alphonse Areola made a crucial save from a Trossard effort, ensuring West Ham maintained their slender lead.
West Ham defended resolutely in the closing stages, blocking multiple shots and frustrating Arsenal’s attack to secure an impressive away win.
Post-Match Reflections
Jarrod Bowen on His Winning Goal:
"We knew Arsenal would dominate possession, so we had to take our chances. It was a great team effort."
David Moyes’ Verdict:
"Our defensive structure was excellent. The boys stuck to the plan, and we took our opportunity when it came. A fantastic result."
Mikel Arteta’s Reaction:
"We created chances but didn’t finish them. Credit to West Ham’s defense. We must respond strongly in the next game."
Statistical Analysis
| Statistic | Arsenal | West Ham |
|---|---|---|
| Possession | 71% | 29% |
| Total Shots | 18 | 5 |
| Shots on Target | 6 | 2 |
| Pass Accuracy | 89% | 73% |
| Corners | 9 | 3 |
Arsenal dominated possession and shots, but West Ham’s defensive approach and Areola’s heroics made the difference.
What This Means for Both Teams
Arsenal’s Perspective:
- Misses opportunity to extend lead at the top.
- Struggled to break down a deep defensive block.
- Must regain momentum in the title race.
West Ham’s Perspective:
- Climbs to 7th place, boosting European qualification hopes.
- Defensive discipline key to success against stronger sides.
- Bowen continues to be a decisive player.
Conclusion
West Ham’s 1-0 win over Arsenal was a defensive masterclass, frustrating the league leaders and capitalizing on a rare counter-attacking chance. Bowen’s goal and Areola’s saves proved decisive, handing Arsenal a costly defeat in their title pursuit. With crucial fixtures ahead, both teams must build on this performance in the weeks to come.