West Ham United attacking impetus v Arsenal highlighted by remarkable stat change from Fulham win
It was plain to see West Ham United were a rejuvenated side in their 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday (16 April), but the numbers behind the performance also back up this theory.
Goals from Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen were enough for David Moyes’ side to come from two goals behind to clinch a point against the league leaders at the London Stadium.
Despite coming up short in their search for a magical win, the performance was one full of energy, passion and determination.
And although the Hammers had won their previous Premier League match against Fulham 1-0, these two encounters had completely opposite styles of play.
During the scratchy single-goal victory at Craven Cottage in which West Ham had a mere 26% share of possession, West Ham centre-backs Angelo Ogbonna and Kurt Zouma were forced to make 12 and 13 clearances a piece, while Vladimir Coufal was forced into 10 clearances from right-back. [Sofascore]
However, against a bang-in-form Arsenal side, who are within reach of a first Premier League title since the infamous Invincibles, the Hammers back-line made a fraction of this number.
Obonna’s injury replacement Thilo Kehrer was only forced into making two clearances, while Zouma and Coufal made four a piece – two-thirds less than the previous week’s victory.
If Moyes needed any evidence that his West Ham side were forcing Arsenal back with their aggressive press and more proactive display, this is it.
For large portions of the match, the Hammers were on the front foot through the likes of Michail Antonio and Bowen, while Declan Rice covered every blade of grass as he limited the impact of Martin Odegaard and Thomas Partey.
If West Ham United can continue this type of performance in the coming weeks and alleviate the pressure placed on their back four, they should ease away from the relegation zone at a canter.
Although they picked up three points against Fulham and just a single point versus Arsenal, it is clear both on the eye test and with the stats which performance West Ham should look to replicate.