West Ham United 1–5 Arsenal: Gunners storm back for convincing London derby win | OneFootball

Arsenal overcame a rocky start to secure a dominant 5-1 victory over West Ham United at the Chigwell Construction Stadium, claiming their second win in a row this season. The Gunners showcased clinical finishing and attacking fluidity, leaving their London rivals chasing shadows for much of the encounter.

Frida Maanum, Stina Blackstenius, Caitlin Foord, and Alessia Russo all found the net as Arsenal ended the match with seventeen shots, six on target, compared to West Ham’s four attempts, none of which tested goalkeeper Daphne van Domselaar. The stark contrast in attacking threat highlighted the Gunners’ superiority in the final third.

As it happened

The game got off to a nightmare start for Arsenal. Early pressure from West Ham led to an unfortunate own goal by Van Domselaar. A loose cross from Shekiera Martinez seemed harmless until the goalkeeper fumbled it into her own net, giving the hosts an unexpected lead.

Arsenal, however, quickly seized control. In the 21st minute, Maanum restored parity. Russo held up play before threading a precise pass to Beth Mead, who set up Maanum inside the box; the Norwegian proceeded to calmly slotted the ball past Megan Walsh.

After the break, Arsenal took the lead through a moment of individual brilliance. Blackstenius, introduced for Maanum at halftime, latched onto Russo’s clever back-heel and drove a left-footed finish into the far corner, turning the momentum firmly in Arsenal’s favour.

The Gunners extended their advantage when Katie McCabe masterminded a slick short corner with Mariona Caldentey, delivering a pinpoint cross which found Foord, who headed Arsenal into a commanding 3-1 lead to mark her 100th WSL appearance.

Russo, who was named Barclays Player of the Match, added two goals in quick succession. In the 90th minute, she struck from outside the box after a cut-back from Olivia Smith, firing a rocket of a shot into the top corner. The England international then completed her brace from the penalty spot after Inès Belloumou brought down Smith in the box, sealing a dominant finish to the contest.

The Hammers showed glimpses of organization and defensive discipline, but struggled to retain possession and mount any sustained threat. Their inability to break down Arsenal’s defensive shape ultimately left them exposed to counter-attacks and quick transitions.

Arsenal will now turn their attention to Manchester United next weekend, aiming to build on this emphatic performance, while West Ham will travel to Brighton & Hove Albion in search of a response.

The lineups

WHU: Walsh; Denton, Zadorsky, Nyström, Tysiak; Hanshaw, Gorry, Siren, Asseyi; Martinez, Ueki