16 April 2023 , 16:36
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Look closely under West Ham’s fingernails and you’ll find traces of Arsenal’s skin.
Such was the ferocity of the home side’s fightback nobody at the London Stadium - or watching at home - could be in any doubt about the players’ commitment to the cause. Or to David Moyes.
The Hammers clung on for dear life as Arsenal threatened to run away with it. Then a single moment sparked the epic comeback that could easily have ended with a shock Hammers win.
Declan Rice provided it, 31 minutes in. Thundering into Thomas Partey off the ball, the England midfielder began the move that ended with Arsenal defender Gabriel bringing down Lucas Pacqueta. Penalty.
The superb Said Benrahma rammed it home, the Hammers took the handbrake off and for much of the final hour Arsenal didn’t know what had hit them. Perhaps Bournemouth had done Moyes and his men a favour on Saturday with that shock win at Spurs.
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It meant West Ham simply couldn’t afford to surrender the points here. They had to fight - and did, using everything they could lay their hands on: Pacqueta’s tenacity, Benrahma’s outstanding vision and trickery and Jarrod Bowen’s ability to terrify any backline in the country when he is on his game.
Also Michail Antonio’s bullying of defenders Rob Holding and Gabriel with his driving runs into the heart of enemy territory. West Ham were gladiators here, determined to be carried out on their collective shield.
Said Benrahma reduced the deficit from the penalty spot before West Ham equalised in the second-half (Getty Images)Their fans, too, played their part, demanding their players stand up and fight when they initially looked for the taking.
Let’s now stop this talk of Moyes leaving at the end of the season. Of his players needing a new voice and of Moyes’ teams not producing entertaining football.
Few who saw this scrap left uninspired. It augured well for West Ham’s bid to make another European semi-final - a second in as many years - should they follow up with victory at home to Gent next Thursday.
Arsenal will testify to that desire. Mikel Arteta and his title chasers returned to north London with their title ambitions covered in scars. West Ham have finally rediscovered their league consistency - at exactly the right time.