Post Match: West Ham-Arsenal 09 April 2016
Last night's match between West Ham United and Arsenal was unbelievable! As a neutral observer, it really got me excited from the opening whistle. The pace was good, the football was above average. It was full of twists and turns. No one could have predicted how the ending would be written. Typical of the English Premiere League season we are experiencing.
FT: West Ham 3 - 3 Arsenal
The Back Three Gambit
Arsenal came out swinging and dominated the early part of the match, as West Ham struggled with their back-line structure. Not a few pundits were surprised with the move by Slaven Bilic. It left them vulnerable, and they paid dearly for it. The Gunners pounced on defensive lapses, and scored twice in open play. In my opinion, it was a big gamble that almost cost them the point. One shouldn't play with their defensive formation drastically against a potent offensive machine like Arsenal. Didn't the Hammers coach recognize the threat of Mezut Ozil, Danny Welbeck, and Alexis Sanchez offered up front?Some commentators were praising the West Ham manager for his courage. For opting to play attacking football, in the pursuit of fourth place on the tables. It backfired. Only the first half heroics of Andy Carroll gave them a reprieve, and enough time to adjust their tactics.
The Dynamic Alexis Sanchez
Sanchez was a constant presence in the initial minutes of the first half, threatening the West Ham defense with his movement and passing. But, he went missing just after Carroll scored his first goal. The diminutive Chilean is clearly the dynamo that drives his offense of the north London club. His work rate is astonishing. It was this sudden anonymity from the game that changed the complexion of the match. Sure, Ozil was still there. But, the German midfielder isn't as mobile and industrious as Sanchez.Andy Carroll, Hat Trick Hero
Carroll hasn't been in the regular first team rotation for some time now. He probably came to the game extremely pumped up and eager to prove his worth. Too pumped up, it seemed, In the first few minutes of the game, he dished out three very silly challenges; with the third earning him a booking. I initially thought he would be taken off early - if he didn't get sent-off first. His frustration was building as he couldn't get the service from his wingers. He desperately wanted to impress. But, all he got were an elbow to the face, a yellow card, and a weak header that was comfortably saved by David Ospina. Everything changed though, after he headed in a beautiful cross from Aaron Cresswell. Carroll capped his hat-trick with another header early in the second half.Andy Carroll presents a different dimension to any team he's in. He's tall, burly, agile, and smart. I'm really surprised how his past managers weren't able to utilize his talent properly. This applies to Bilic too. Carroll has played cameo roles all season, and he deserves more. With Dmitri Payet and Manuel Lanzini already providing the floor talent, Andy Carroll can complement this with his aerial ability.
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