An 85th minute sucker punch condemned David Moyes' side to back-to-back Premier League defeats at The Emirates Stadium tonight.
Having been beaten 2-0 at home by Newcastle in their opening game of the 2020/21 campaign in Stratford last weekend it was imperative the Hammers produced a better performance in this evening's London derby.And while it was certainly a vast improvement on that miserable defeat the Hammers still left north London with nothing to show for their efforts, thanks to a late winner from England Under 21 Eddie Nketiah.
That Arsenal scored two goals from only three shots on target (having produced only seven altogether to West Ham's 14) gave some indication of how unfortunate the Hammers can consider themselves to have been.
And the Irons could also feel aggrieved at not having been awarded at least one of two possible first half penalties following a trip on Jarrod Bowen and what appeared to be a fairly clear hand ball by Arsenal defender Gabriel.
Additionally, the Hammers also hit the woodwork when Michail Antonio - the scorer of West Ham's only goal on the night - was first to Arthur Masuaku's deep cross from the left with the game still poised a one apiece.
After a fairly even start Arsenal drew first blood when Lacazette lost marker Declan Rice before sending a thundering header beyond a helpless Lukasz Fabiaski, who other didn't have a single save to make all night.
But West Ham deservedly drew level in the final minute of the first half, having seen the aforementioned penalty appeals denied, when Antonio was perfectly placed to force home Ryan Fredericks' low centre from the right.
Despite starting the second half stronger Arsenal found themselves second best for much of the second half and were lucky not to fall behind when Antonio's header cannoned back off the crossbar midway through the second period.
However they somehow stole all three points with just five minutes of normal time remaining when Nketiah was left with an open goal having been played in by Cebbalos from West Ham's right, an area that had been targeted all night by the hosts.
Moyes' side now look to next weekend's home fixture against Wolves in order to hopefully collect their first league points of the season, although face Hull City in the Carabao Cup before that particular challenge presents itself.
* Something to say about this story? Please visit the KUMB Forum to leave a comment.
