James Wood

Mon 22 March 2021 7:03, UK

West Ham threw away a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 at home to Arsenal in a thrilling encounter at the London Stadium on Sunday. 

Jesse Lingard, Jarrod Bowen and Tomas Soucek had given us a mighty first-half advantage as we blew the Gunners away.

Own goals either side of half time from Soucek and Craig Dawson, followed by an Alexandre Lacazette header, gave Arsenal a point for their comeback.

It’s an incredibly disappointing result for David Moyes’ side. Had we won, we’d have gone level with Chelsea in fourth.

West Ham Zone have given the following player ratings for the squad today.

Lukasz Fabianski – 6 

Made a big save before half time from Bukayo Saka. Couldn’t do anything about either own goal, both flew past him. Was really let down by his back-line today.

Vladimir Coufal – 6

Had a chance early on but lashed over. Put a great ball in for our third goal. Booked in the second half, not his best performance.

Craig Dawson – 5

Back to back own goals for Dawson have cost us three points in our last two games. Was in excellent form for us before these fixtures, hopefully, he can come back stronger after the international break.

Issa Diop – 6 

Prevented a certain goal on 46 minutes, pulling off a goal-line clearance after Lacazette lobbed Fabianski. Three goals conceded just not good enough.

Aaron Cresswell – 5 

Started the game well with some excellent crossfield passes. All three goals came from down the left, although Said Benrahma offered no cover, it isn’t good enough. Poor afternoon for him.

Declan Rice – 6 

Gave the ball away a few times, unusual for him. Got better as the game went on, had one driving run up the pitch. Travelled about 60 yards and took a shot. Another one who was below par.

Tomas Soucek – 6 

A menace early on, had two headed chances that he has to do better with. Got fortunate for his goal, but you make your own luck if you get into those positions. Not so lucky for the Arsenal goal, nicks off him and flies past Fabianski. Ran his socks off as we come to expect.

Jarrod Bowen – 7

Had an early chance when he got in behind, decided to go down when he should have stayed on his feet. Was alert for his goal, clever run for the quick Lingard freekick. Worked hard, hooked off after 75 mins when we were still winning.

Jesse Lingard – 7

Unbelievable strike on 15 minutes to give us the lead. Three minutes later we scored again, all down to him. A clever quick freekick to Bowen. Drove us up the pitch all game, along with Michail Antonio was a handful throughout.

Said Benrahma – 5

Looked good at the beginning of the game as we dominated play, some good work down the left. Both Arsenal goals (when he was on the pitch) came down the Arsenal right. Didn’t provide cover for Cresswell. Nearly gets an assist for Antonio before being pulled off.

Michail Antonio – 7

Involved in all three goals. Excellent assist for the first, beating Calum Chambers and pulling back for Lingard. Wins the foul for the second. Third goal he heads down well, goes in off Soucek. Had two big chances in the second half to tie the game up but missed both. 

Subs:

Mark Noble – 5 

Brought on to see the game out at 3-2. Ultimately failed to do so, gave the ball away a few times.

Ryan Fredericks – 5

No impact, booked.

In other West Ham news, Declan Rice is turning into an excellent leader at the age of 22.