West Ham v Arsenal: half-time report

West Ham and Arsenal go into the break on level terms after neither side managed to break the deadlock in an even first half.

West Ham's back four - superbly marshalled by Danny Gabbidon - have stood firm against an Arsenal side weakened by the omission of Thierry Henry, Robert Pires and Dennis Bergkamp.

The best chance of the half fell to West Ham's Yossi Benayoun after he was set free by Teddy Sheringham two minutes ahead of the break. Unfortunately for West Ham the Israeli midfielder - who has tormented the Arsenal back line at times on the right flank - could only screw his snap shot wide of the post.

Arsenal - who created few chances in the half - went closest on 28 minutes when Jose Reyes' attempted lob hit the side netting of Roy Carroll's goal.

Encouragingly for Alan Pardew his side have shown they can cope with their opponents and cause a few scares of their own.

More to follow on 90 minutes.

West Ham United: Carroll, Konchesky, Repka, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, Mullins, Reo-Coker, Etherington, Benayoun, Harewood, Sheringham.

Attendance: 34,742