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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Simon Collings

Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham: Rob Holding excellent in defence with Eddie Nketiah lively

Arsenal moved back into the Premier League’s top four by grinding out a win at West Ham.

Mikel Arteta’s side were not at their best at the London Stadium, but they won 2-1 to claim the three points that lifts them above Tottenham in the race for Champions League football.

Rob Holding opened the scoring in the first-half by heading home from a corner, but West Ham equalised before the break through Jarrod Bowen.

The Gunners, however, scored the winner in the second-half as Gabriel headed home at the back post from Gabriel Martinelli’s cross.

Simon Collings was at the London Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Made an excellent save in the first-half when Declan Rice’s header looked destined to go in. Almost caught out in the second-half when he came rushing out to tackle Bowen.

Takehiro Tomiyasu 7

A solid game from the Japan international, who was starting his first match since January. Strong in the air and dealt well with Said Benrahma

Rob Holding 8 | Star man

Into the side for the injured Ben White and had a good game. Opened the scoring with an excellent header and made some vital blocks at the other end.

Gabriel 7

Didn’t have a great first-half and looked shaky at times. Improved after the break and got on the scoresheet with a good header.

Nuno 5

Just looks so raw and a player clearly still developing. Had some bright moments going forward, but defensively he looks vulnerable.

Martin Odegaard 6

Was the best player on the pitch for this game last season, but he was very quiet today. Struggled to get into the game as Rice kept him quiet.

(REUTERS)

Mohamed Elneny 7

Another good performance from the Egyptian, who is relishing his run in the team. Made one or two crucial blocks and tackles.

Granit Xhaka 7

The Swiss has been in fine form recently, but he was not quite at his best today. He was still solid enough, especially defensively, but a few loose passes at times.

Bukayo Saka 7

Looked like Arsenal’s best weapon in attack and caused Ryan Fredericks plenty of problems down the right. Setup the opening goal from a corner.

Eddie Nketiah 7

Bright and lively, as you’d expected, and pressed West Ham’s centre-backs well. Had one or two sights on goal, but couldn’t make them count.

Gabriel Martinelli 7

The Brazilian had a quiet first-half as he struggled to get into the game. He improved after the break, though, and setup Gabriel’s goal.

Substitutions

Cedric (Tomiyasu 77’) N/A

Emile Smith Rowe (Saka 87’) N/A

Albert Sambi Lokonga (Odegaard 90’) N/A

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