Right from the start Arsenal created chances with Theo Walcott’s hesitation costing him a great chance to score.
Alexis Sanchez’s header from a Chambers cross was well saved by Adrian, West Ham’s star of the day. He made a fine save from an improvised shot from Aaron Ramsey as well.
West Ham finally produced their only real chance of the half, a Kevin Nolan shot, which was well saved by Ospina.
Arsenal continued to pressure but Walcott and Ozil could only hit their chances at the keeper.
Right on the stroke of halftime Arsenal struck. Great interplay between Ramsey and Giroud saw Olivier smash the layoff into the far corner.
For the first fifteen minutes of the second half Arsenal were terrible to behold, giving the ball away and looking unfocused.
However they managed to right the ship and they finished looking like contenders.
West Ham’s only moment of danger in the second half was when Sakho collided with Ospina and Noble hit over the bar.
Arsenal could finally breathe easier when Giroud and Ramsey again combined, this time with Ramsey scoring the goal.
Matthieu Flamini made it three when he tapped in a Cazorla cross, his first touch of the game.
Arsenal now need a miracle in Monaco in order to keep their Champion’s League dreams alive.
Player Ratings:
Ospina 6: A couple of routine saves, but it was basically a dull day. Did get hurt when Sakho collided into him, but he tends to get up and continue playing when at first he appears hurt.
Chambers 7: Had his hands full dealing with Jarvis. Offensively, he was very good and made some very effective crosses.
Mertesacker 7: Good game for Per, who was largely untroubled.
Koscielny 8: Made a number of key interceptions to keep West Ham at bay.
Monreal 7: He had a good game on both ends of the field.
Coquelin 7: Can do no wrong these days. Combative and dominant in midfield.
Ramsey 8: My man of the match. It’s been a long time since he delivered such an effective game. A goal and an assist and he could have had more.
Ozil 7: Somewhat quiet and effective game. His best chance to score saw him hit at the goalie. His best second half chance he inexplicably lofted a cross instead.
Walcott 6: He finally played but his rustiness cost him a potential hat trick. The first saw him hesitate too long, the second he hit at Adrian, and the third he stumbled chasing Adrian’s parried save causing him to hit over the bar. Was involved in a number of attacking moves as well.
Giroud 8: A goal and an assist. A splendid goal gave us the halftime lead. He made a number of deft touches as well. Now he needs to atone against Monaco.
Sanchez 7: He had his chances, but Adrian made several good saves to deny Alexis. At times he struggles to get going and he does make mistakes, but he always keeps defenders on their toes.
Substitutes:
Cazorla 7: An effective cameo. Assisted on the third goal.
Flamini 7: His first goal of the year. Back from injury, he helped settle the nerves at the end.
Welbeck 7: His running constantly had West Ham scuttling back and looking nervous. Almost scored from a header near the end.