Arsenal player ratings vs West Ham: Thomas Partey not at the races on day to forget for Bukayo Saka

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Arsenal‘s title hopes suffered a major blow as they blew a two-goal lead and were held to a 2-2 draw at West Ham.

The Gunners looked to be cruising to victory when they went two goals up inside 10 minutes thanks to Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard.

But West Ham got back into the game before the break as Said Benrahma slotted a penalty following a rash tackle by Gabriel on Lucas Paqueta.

Arsenal then missed a penalty of their own when Bukayo Saka fired wide, and minutes later Jarrod Bowen equalised.

That was how it stayed and Manchester City are now just four points behind Arsenal at the top of Premier League with a game in hand.

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

Aaron Ramsdale 6

Came and missed at a few corners that he tried to punch. Distribution was good, but will be a bit disappointed with Bowen’s goal.

Ben White 6

Set up Arsenal’s opener by overlapping down the right and crossing for Jesus to score. Probably Arsenal’s best defender on the day.

Rob Holding 5

Started again in the absence of the injured William Saliba. Struggled with the pace of Michail Antonio when the striker tested him one on one.

Gabriel 5

Looked excellent in the first 30 minutes, but then gave away a penalty with a rash challenge on Lucas Paqueta. Lacked composure playing out from back.

Kieran Tierney 5

Handed a rare start in the absence of Oleksandr Zinchenko, who missed out due to injury. Made a big block to deny Bowen late on.

Martin Odegaard 7

Scored Arsenal’s second goal by volleying home Martinelli’s cross. Looked in the mood right from the off and some of his flicks and passes were impossible to defend.

Never really looked at the races all game. Contributed to the West Ham penalty by giving the ball away near the box. Hooked with 25 minutes to go for Jorginho.

Granit Xhaka 6

Not as influential as he has been in recent weeks. Combined well with Martinelli in the opening stages, but faded as the game went on.

Bukayo Saka 5

One of his most difficult afternoons in an Arsenal shirt. He wasn’t really in the game and then missed a penalty to put the Gunners 3-1 up.

Gabriel Jesus 7

Opened the scoring to continue his rich vein of form. The Brazilian now has four goals in his last three games. Tried to link the play and dropped very deep to do so.

Gabriel Martinelli 7

Set up Odegaard’s goal with a great cross from the right. Has scored seven and assisted three goals in his last nine Premier League appearances.

Substitutions

Jorginho (Partey 66’) 5

On in midfield and was neat and tidy, but couldn’t turn the tide.

Leandro Trossard (Jesus 66’) 5

On for Jesus but couldn’t get into the game.

Fabio Vieira (Tierney 85’) N/A

Reiss Nelson (Martinelli 85’) N/A

Eddie Nketiah (Odegaard 90’) N/A

Subs not used: Turner, Kiwior, Walters, Smith Rowe.

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