Half-time report

45 minutes of possession were not enough for this Arsenal side to break the deadlock against a very defensive West Ham. And to add to our injury problems, Emmanuel Eboue, the best of our side, had to be taken of in the 35th minute.

With Van Persie rested and Bendtner starting alongside Adebayor, there is very little to write about. In the 3rd minute, a Samri Nasri corner is well met by Diaby but his effort is deflected on the bar. Three minutes later, Eboue is given space outside the penalty area but his effort is well wide. Eboue was again involved a couple of minutes later as he created space this time but again, his effort produced no end result.

In the 17th minute, Nasri produced a great run on the left, crossed for Bendtner but his header was blocked for a corner. West Ham’s only goal opportunity of the half came late into stoppage time with Collins heading a corner towards goal but Clichy was well-placed to clear off the line.

It was nice to see Eboue playing the way we want him to. Even though his end product was very disappointing, at least he did create space, produced some fine runs and showed heart. Carlos Vela replaced him and it took the Mexican only ten seconds to take on defenders and power into the penalty area, something which no other Arsenal midfielder has done so far.

With the creativity of Vela, I hope to see some more action in the second half. The first half was dominated by Arsenal’s possession and close-range passes but unfortunately, very little opportunities were created. Adebayor confirms he’s not enjoying the best form of his life as it was Bendtner who did all the running up front. I’m afraid Robin’s rest is over already as he should replace Emmanuel and get us out of trouble for yet another time.

At half time, it’s Arsenal nil, West Ham nil.


Starting line-ups

Arsenal

Almunia, Sagna, Toure, Gallas, Clichy, Eboue, Diaby, Denilson, Nasri, Adebayor, Bendtner.

Subs: Fabianski, Van Persie, Vela, Ramsey, Song Billong, Djourou, Gibbs.

West Ham

Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Collison, Cole, Di Michele.

Subs: Lastuvka, Lopez, Nsereko, Boa Morte, Spector, Tristan, Sears.