West Ham 1 Arsenal 2

Arsenal took on West Ham tonight in the 3rd round of the FA Cup at Upton Park. No Cesc Fabregas once again.

Arsenal started the game off with some early keep-ball. However West Ham are soon to get in on the action with some decent possession.

5 minutes in and Arsenal were awarded a free-kick after a challenge on Wiltshere. However Merida’s low free-was poor and Nouble was able to clear the danger.

7 minutes in Diamanti’s corner from the right was punched to the edge of the box by Fabianski. Behrami took control of the ball but his resulting effort was easily blocked.

Some good work from West Ham as they looked strong, early on in the game.

However, Arsenal were quick to recover with s succession of opportunities. 13 minutes in and Vela provides a low cross which is scrambled clear. 1 minute later Merida found space on the edge of the box and drove his goal at goal but it was easily gathered by Green.

15 minutes in and Sagna looked to open scoring with a low cross but Green again gathered easily. 1 minute later and Ramsey drives into the area but runs out of the space. Arsenal were starting to dominate possession at this point.

21 minutes in and Eduardo intercepted a poor pass and drove his effort which was turned behind for a corner.

26 Decent effort from Stanislas as he sends his free-kick narrowly wide of Fabianski’s right hand post.

29 minute mark and Diamanti’s curling effort from the edge of the box was turned behind for a corner by Fabianski.

36 minutes in and Stanislas ran out of space in the Arsenal box but the Gunners were able to clear. 1 minute later Stanislas looked dangerous as he fired a shot wide.

At the 40 minute mark, Vela sent in a driven effort but it was straight at Green.

Extra time in the first half and goal for West Ham. Diamanti ran through one-on-one with Fabianski and he slotted a low effort away from the Arsenal goalkeeper and in off his left hand post. West Ham lead 1-0.

Half-time score West Ham 1 Arsenal 0.

The second half started off with an early attempt to add another to the score-sheet when Nouble fired a low effort narrowly wide of Fabianski’s left hand post.

49 minutes in and Stanislas charged forward to see his driven effort from the edge of the box superbly saved by Fabianski.

51 in and Merida had some space for a shot on the edge of the West Ham box but he sent an attempted pass out of play for a goal-kick. Poor decision.

54 in Sagna’s cross from the right fell to Eduardo in the West Ham box and the striker’s volley was deflected behind.

4 minutes later and Ramsey made himself some space for a shot but he sent a poor effort from 25 yards high over the top of the bar.

62 minutes in and Fabianski does well to claim the ball ahead of Daprela as West Ham’s full-backs continued to offer an attacking threat.

64 minutes in and Diamanti’s free-kick from the left flank was gathered by Fabianski on the edge of his six-yard box. A minute later and Stanislas’ effort from the edge of the box took a deflection to take the pace off the ball and Fabianski easily saved.

69 minutes in and Sagna’s cross from the right is headed clear by Upson. Arsenal were starting to look more dangerous after their double change (Nasri and Diaby).

At the 72 minute mark, Diaby found himself through one-on-one with Green but the goalkeeper stood tall and blocked the shot. The loose ball fell to Song but his effort was deflected behind by another save from Green.

75 minutes in and Nasri’s corner from the left washeaded on by Diaby but Green was aware of the danger and grabbed the ball.

Nasri again had the chance to test Green from the edge of the box but somehow scuffs his volley wide.
78 minutes in Ramsey took control of the ball on the left hand edge of the West Ham box and beat Green at his far post with a powerful effort. Great finish from the Arsenal midfielder. Game on! West Ham 1 Arsenal 1.

83 minutes in and goal for Arsenal! Eduardo beat Green at his left hand post with a fantastic header as he was first to Vela’s cross from the right. Superb header! Arsenal lead 2-1.

It could have been more for Arsenal as 86 Nasri’s corner from the right falls to Song on the edge of the box and he sends a powerful effort narrowly over the top of the bar. Arsenal are on top.

88 minutes in and Nasri’s corner from the right was headed narrowly over the top of the bar by Eduardo. Another good effort!

2 minutes later and Arsenal go close again as Vela’s low effort was bundled off the line by Upson. The Gunners were at this point in complete control of this game.

Extra time and Ramsey could have had himself a second but Green saved his effort. A few fouls were coming in from West Ham and Arsenal were able to see the game out.

Full-time score: West Ham 1 Arsenal 2. Full match report here.

Congratulations to Arsenal! Some scary moments with Arsenal not managing to play their usual game during much of the match but a superb come-back, help thoroughly coming from bringing Nasri and Diaby on.

ARSENAL will now face STOKE CITY in the 4th round and they will be away.

Let me know your comments on the game and the 4th round draw.

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