West Ham: Mackenzie Arnold denies Arsenal an important three points in WSL

Mackenzie Arnold smiles while training for West Ham
KINGSTON UPON THAMES, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 06: Mackenzie Arnold of West Ham United warms up whilst wearing a rainbow coloured armband in support of the Stonewall Rainbow Laces campaign prior to the Barclays FA Women's Super League match between Chelsea Women and West Ham United Women at Kingsmeadow on December 06, 2020 in Kingston upon Thames, England. A limited number of fans are welcomed back to stadiums to watch elite football across England. This was following easing of restrictions on spectators in tiers one and two areas only. (Photo by James Chance/Getty Images)

Mackenzie Arnold was undoubtedly the star of the show during West Ham’s surprise 0-0 draw against Arsenal at the weekend.

The North London title contenders were held to a stalemate away from home, unable to get any of their shots past the Aussie goalkeeper in the opposition net

Starting XIs

West Ham 

Arnold; Smith, Shimizu, Stringer (Parker ’86), Snerle (Longhurst ’87), Brynjarsdottir (c), Filis (Thestrup ’63), Hayashi, Fisk, Cissoko, Asseyi (Evans ’78)

Arsenal

Zinsberger, Rafaelle, Wubben-Moy, Williamson, Catley (McCabe ’68),  Little (c), Maanum, Maritz (Wienroither ’68), Hurting (Pelova ’68), Foord, Blackstenius (Queiroz ’78)

How it went for West Ham and Arsenal

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With the opening ten minutes of the tie almost perfectly balanced, it was almost impossible to predict how the match would play out.

West Ham’s tight defence and quick counter-attacks saw the hosts handle several strong attacks from the Gunners. As the tie progressed, the hosts piled increasing pressure on their opponents.

Despite Arnold repeatedly being called into action, the Australian goalkeeper and her defence were resolute. With the match goalless at half time, Paul Konchesky would no doubt have been the happier of the two managers.

By the 85th minute, Arsenal had enjoyed more than two thirds of the possession. Similarly, the Gunners had managed 19 shots compared to just two for the Hammers.

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With his side failing to find the back of the hosts’ net after eight shots on target, Eidevall may well have been wondering what his players would need to do to break down a solid defence.

Ultimately the tie finished goalless, with West Ham pulling off a defensive and goalkeeping masterclass.

Arnold’s eight saves in comparison to Manuela Zinsberger’s one was a testament to the strength of the performance of the Hammer’s No.1. 

What’s next for West Ham and Arsenal?

West Ham will next face Chelsea in the League Cup. The tie will see the Hammers host last season’s runners up on Thursday with kick off at 19:15 GMT. 

Meanwhile, Arsenal will welcome Manchester City in the first of two clashes between the teams in just four days. 

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