Said Benrahma proves worth to West Ham United and David Moyes in 2-2 draw v Arsenal
West Ham United boosted their hopes of Premier League survival after they battled back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 with league leaders Arsenal on Sunday [16 April].
A close-range finish from Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard’s volley put the visitors 2-0 ahead inside the opening 10 minutes at London Stadium but the Hammers gave Arsenal yet another scare after their two-goal giveaway against Liverpool last weekend.
Said Benrahma’s penalty, after Gabriel had brought down Lucas Paqueta, gave the Hammers a way back into the game, before Jarrod Bowen’s terrifically taken first-time volley from Thilo Kehrer’s lofted pass sealed an unlikely comeback.
David Moyes’ men now sit four points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on their rivals after a hectic April schedule for the Hammers, including their exploits in the Europa Conference League, the former Everton manager will have been delighted by the resilience and performances of some of his key stars.
Declan Rice and Bowen were arguably the most notable shining lights of the West Ham United players, but one man deserves all the attention too and that is the much-maligned figure of Algerian international Benrahma.
The former Brentford man has long been criticised for his lack of desire and urgency when it matters most for the Hammers and those harsh words will have been further compounded by his performance in the first half.
Both of Arsenal’s goals inside ten minutes derived from the winger not tracking back, a trait which is highly desired by Moyes from his attacking players.
However, with the Hammers needing to show some tough resolve and character, Benrahma proved one of the major catalysts for the Irons through not just his well-taken penalty to hand West Ham United some hope but his all-round game in the second half.
It proved a real Jekyll and Hyde performance from the forward who has undeniable and undoubted creative qualities, and it was his second-half performance that claimed the plaudits for the Algerian.
The 27-year-old proved crucial in his work off the ball too, pressing from the front and giving Arsenal full-back Ben White and Ben Holding a torrid afternoon as a result of his aggression, and tenacity when Moyes and his side desperately needed it.
According to SofaScore, Benrahma picked up a tremendous average rating of 7.7/10 for his performance – the best-rated West Ham United player on the pitch and the second-best out of every player after Martin Odegaard, highlighting that he can be a telling and influential outlet when he is in the mood.
The former Brentford maestro was as excellent defensively as he was going forward winning five of his seven ground duels at a rate of 71%, winning two fouls as well as registering two key passes, completing 50% of his dribbles and creating one big chance – a superb cross for Michail Antonio only for the West Ham forward to head the ball onto the crossbar.
The 27-year-old has regularly divided opinion throughout his career at the London Stadium but with the Hammers facing some testing games in the coming weeks, these are the kind of performances that can have Benrahma endearing himself to the East London faithful once again.
It was indeed a brilliant second-half showing but he must ensure it’s a full 90-minute performance in the coming weeks if he is to become a key figure for the club in the future.