Arsenal ratings vs West Ham: Bukayo Saka back to his best as Gabriel Martinelli takes chance again

AP

Arsenal moved into the Premier League’s top four for the first time this season by beating West Ham.

Gabriel Martinelli scored the only goal of the game in the second-half, finishing well after Alexandre Lacazette had played him in.

The Gunners, in truth, were the better side and they should have won by more, but Lacazette had a penalty saved.

Arsenal did, however, wrap up the win late on as Emile Smith Rowe finished off a slick counter to secure the three points that sees them leapfrog the Hammers into fourth.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

Aaron Ramsdale 6

To be honest, he didn’t really have masses to do bar the odd save. Looked solid, though, and played out from the back well.

Takehiro Tomiyasu 7

Good stuff from the Japan international, who was also excellent against Southampton last weekend. Got forward well and was solid at the back.

Ben White 7

Went about his business in a calm way and got on the ball whenever he could. Looked shaky at Manchester United and Everton, but has bounced back well.

Gabriel 8

Kept Michail Antonio quiet all match and commanded the backline. He is developing into a real rock at the back and seems to love the physical side of the game.

Kieran Tierney 7

Back to being the player he was last season and played well. Unlucky not to score when he hit the crossbar and put in some great crosses.

REUTERS

Thomas Partey 7

Starting to look more like himself after a real rough patch of form. Broke up play nicely and passing improved as the game went on.

Granit Xhaka 6

He was okay, but there were a couple of moments where you felt his passing was just a little too slow. Gifted Jarrod Bowen a great chance by dallying on the ball.

Bukayo Saka 9

Looked a real threat and danger all night, giving Arthur Masuaku a torrid time. He started the season slowly after Euro 2020, but seems to be back to his best.

Martin Odegaard 7

Had another good game to follow on from his recent performances. Is beginning to form a good relationship with Saka and the pair linked up nicely.

Gabriel Martinelli 9 | Star man

One of his best games in a while. He has been given a run in the side lately and he has grabbed it with both hands. Scored an excellent goal tonight.

Alexandre Lacazette 7

A frustrating night for the Frenchman. He actually linked the play well and setup Martinelli’s goal, but his penalty miss let him down.

Substitutions

Emile Smith Rowe (Odegaard 65’) 8

Came on to play in the No10 role and looked really sharp. Took his goal well too.

Eddie Nketiah (Martinelli 82’) N/A

Nuno Tavares (Lacazette 88’) N/A

Subs not used: Okonkwo, Holding, Elneny, Maitland-Niles, Lokonga, Pepe.

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