Premier League
Arsenal 0-0 West Ham United 

Saturday, 31st January 2009
by John Simkin

Two years ago, when West Ham became the first visiting team to win at the Emirates, Robert Green was in outstanding form. This time Arsenal only managed three shots on target and two of these were straight at the goalkeeper. The Hammers have now drawn at Chelsea, Liverpool and Arsenal and Steve Clarke, speaking after the game rightly pointed out that: "It's very important for the players' confidence to come to these places and get a draw. There has been significant progress from October."



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Player Ratings

Robert Green
Little to do but a poor punch at a corner resulted in Collins having to head the ball of the line.


Lucas Neill
Given a torrid time against Samir Nasri. Also gave the ball away several times.


Herita Ilunga
Was unable to go forward as often as normal but rarely looked like he was going to be beaten in defensive positions.


James Collins
Put his body in the way of numerous shots on target. Also headed off the line when Green found himself out of his goal.


Matthew Upson
Another commanding performance from someone who fully deserves his place in the England squad.


Scott Parker
Another inspiring performance from the man who controls everything in the centre of midfield.


Mark Noble
Well below his best. Distribution was poor and he gave very little support to Di Michele and Cole. I suspect he had not recovered from the knock he took against Hull.


Jack Collison
Except for a couple of poor passes in advanced positions, he had another highly promising game.


Valon Behrami
Spent most of the match covering for Neill and therefore made very few offensive breaks. One of the most important players in the side at the moment.


Carlton Cole
Closely marked by Toure and Gallas he had few opportunities but still managed to get two shots on target.


David Di Michele
Found it difficult to get in the game and was fairly anonymous until he was taken off near the end.



Substitutes

Savio Nsereko
(Replaced Noble, 70 mins) No comments.


Luis Boa Morte
(Replaced Di Michele, 83 mins) No comments.


Jan Lastuvka
Did not play.


Walter Lopez
Did not play.


Jonathan Spector
Did not play.


Diego Tristan
Did not play.


Fred Sears
Did not play.



Match Facts

West Ham United: Robert Green, Lucas Neill, Herita Ilunga, James Collins, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Mark Noble, Jack Collison, Valon Behrami, Carlton Cole, David Di Michele.

Goals: None.

Booked: James Collins 56 Lucas Neill 85        .

Sent off: None.

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

Subs not used: Fabianski, Ramsey, Djourou, Gibbs.

Goals: .

Booked: Diaby (22), Vela (75).

Sent off: None.

Referee: Steve Bennett.

Attendance: 60,109.

Man of the Match: Scott Parker.