West Ham United recorded their first win since January 14th, having lost three and drawn one in between. Graham Potter’s side beat 2nd-placed Arsenal 1-0, despite only having 32% possession, taking five shots, creating just one “big chance” and generating 1.20 xG.
The Hammers managed to frustrate Arsenal, sitting in a compact mid-block defensively, only allowing the Gunners to create one “big chance” from their 20 shots in the game, as Mikel Arteta’s side only generated 1.23 xG in the match.
Whilst performances have been improving under Potter since his arrival, the results hadn’t quite followed until now, but this sort of victory against their London rivals could be exactly what his side needs to really kick on for the back end of the season.
And it was the goal from Jarrod Bowen that secured all three points for Potter’s side, earning them a huge London Derby victory at the Emirates.
Jarrod Bowen’s performance vs Arsenal
Bowen has made 23 appearances for the Hammers so far this season, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in all competitions.
Not only playing as a right-winger but also filling in as a centre-forward at times, Bowen is a crucial part of the team’s success.
The 28-year-old winger scored his goal, took two shots in the game (one on target), completed six out of seven accurate passes and won two of his six ground duels in the match. Despite not being overly involved, only having 17 touches, it was his important touch that secured all three points.
But it wasn’t just Bowen who helped West Ham to this huge victory, as the man of the match went to another individual was crucial in that first-half clincher…
West Ham’s standout star vs Arsenal
A man of the match display from Aaron Wan-Bissaka included a lovely assist for Bowen’s goal, a 75% aerial duel win rate, a 75% successful dribbles rate and two key passes from his 48 touches, showing his creative essence for the side, alongside his usual defensive dominance.
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Aaron Wan-Bissaka vs Arsenal performance |
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|---|---|
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Stat |
Wan-Bissaka |
|
Minutes |
90 |
|
Assists |
1 |
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Touches |
48 |
|
Clearances |
6 |
|
Blocked Shots |
1 |
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Tackles |
1 |
|
Ground Duels Won |
6/10 |
|
Aerial Duels Won |
3/4 |
|
Key Passes |
2 |
|
Successful Dribbles |
3/4 |
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Stats taken from Sofascore |
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Wan-Bissaka has made 27 appearances so far this season for the Hammers, scoring two goals and providing two assists, showing he can play as a nominal right-back under Julen Lopetegui, but also showing something slightly different under Potter.
The Mail’s James Sharpe described Wan-Bissaka as a “rampaging” wingback after his display against Arsenal, stating that he never knew he had it in him. The 27-year-old is largely seen as a “frequent source of genuine excitement” within the fanbase, despite the poor season they are having.
Potter will be hoping Wan-Bissaka can continue in this fine form, as he looks to climb the table with West Ham, dragging them as far away from the relegation zone as possible, and perhaps mounting a top-half charge in the final third of the season.
As for the former Manchester United man, it looks as if the Hammers have well and truly hit the jackpot with his bargain £15m capture.
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