West Ham Utd v Arsenal: half-time report

The Hammers find themselves a goal behind at the break in this afternoon's Premier League clash against the current league leaders.

Robin van Persie's 13th minute strike proved to be the only goal of a fairly uneventful first half at the Boleyn.

The Hammers had controlled the opening ten minutes but were guilty of falling asleep as Arsenal countered to score.

Alexandr Hleb's cross was converted by van Persie at the far post with marker Lucas Neill apparently asleep - not for the first time in recent weeks.

Alan Curbishley's pre-match wish to see Dean Ashton and Craig Bellamy paired up front proved to be something of a smokescreen, with Bellamy not even making the 16-man squad.

Henri Camara partnered England-hopeful Ashton instead and showed several nice touches despite failing to break down a solid Arsenal rearguard.

Also in for his first league game for the Hammers was Scott Parker, replacing Hayden Mullins, whilst Freddie Ljungberg was drafted in to face his former club in place of Matthew Etherington.

All in all Alan Curbishley will be looking for much more from his troops in the second period.

West Ham United: Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Parker, Noble, Bowyer, Ljungberg, Camara, Ashton.

Subs: Wright, Gabbidon, Mullins, Boa Morte, Cole.