(Football news) Although they had the better of the first half in terms of possession and shots, Mikel Arteta’s team trailed 1-0 at the half due to an own goal by Ben White. The second half was agonizing to watch as Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen added more magic to the Europa Conference League winners’ night in Stratford before Martin Odegaard’s late consolation goal.
Reiss Nelson’s goal against Brentford had secured Arsenal’s trip to the London Stadium. In the ninth minute, the Englishman came dangerously close to having a second assist when his free kick found Kai Havertz, whose header was spectacularly deflected over by former Gunner Lukasz Fabianski.
The next notable header came from an Arsenal player in the 16th minute, but sadly for White, it came from the wrong end of the field as the right-back headed a Bowen corner into his own net at the near post.
Although replays indicated that Aaron Ramsdale had a good case, the Hammers’ goal was allowed to stand because there was no VAR in action until the semi-finals. Ramsdale, who left his goal unoccupied as he came to punch and missed, protested with referee Simon Hooper.
Arsenal attempted to play out of the back as David Moyes’s team constantly pressed them, but the hosts gave up a number of set-pieces due to a series of unnecessary fouls, one of which saw Eddie Nketiah skim the top of the net with another header from a corner in the 25th minute.
In the first period, the hosts failed to register a single shot on goal. However, this all changed only 20 seconds after the break when Lucas Paqueta fed a pass to Bowen. However, Ramsdale’s gloves softened Bowen’s chip before White cleared the threat.
But in the fiftyth minute, Nayef Aguerd’s brilliant cross-field pass found Kudus, and the Ghanaian’s deft first touch created the opening for him to curl a low drive into the far corner, leaving Ramsdale helpless to save the Irons’ second goal.
The final nail in Arsenal’s coffin was hammered by Bowen on the hour mark, as his drive from outside the D deflected off of Jakub Kiwior and tricked Ramsdale, who flapped at the ball and could only assist it on its way into the corner. An unwilling Arsenal showed little desire to fight their way back into the game.
Even though it seemed like a tie would be decided, Arteta sent in the cavalry, which included Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Odegaard, and Bukayo Saka. Declan Rice received a great reception from most of the West Ham supporters.
With almost the final kick of the match, Odegaard scored from a tight angle to break the hosts’ clean sheet, but Arsenal’s celebrations were appropriately subdued as Moyes triumphed over his former Everton teammate.
While West Ham gets ready for another London derby with Brentford on November 4, the Gunners have two full days to process their cup elimination before hosting Newcastle United at St. James’ Park in the Premier League on Saturday night.
Also read: Newcastle thrash Manchester United 3-0
