David Moyes praises West Ham’s resilience in 2-2 draw with Arsenal

West Ham United manager David Moyes has praised his side’s toughness and resilience in their 2-2 draw with Premier League table-toppers Arsenal today.

The Hammers came from two goals down to secure a crucial point in the London derby. The result put West Ham 15th in the table, four points above the relegation zone.

Arsenal led early through Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard. They looked dominant and had chances to add more goals, but did not take them.

West Ham won a penalty which Said Benrahma converted, and the momentum shifted. Arsenal were awarded a spot-kick, but Bukayo Saka put his effort off target.

Jarrod Bowen caught out the Arsenal defence and finished beyond Aaron Ramsdale in the second half to equalise. West Ham held on claim a vital point.

Moyes was happy with his team’s showing against one of the best teams in the division.

He said (via West Ham’s official website): “We lost two goals in the opening ten minutes, but I actually did not think we played that badly.

“I think that reflected in the supporters – they were great today, they kept with us, never gave up, and I think it is because they saw how the players started.

“Yes, we went 2-0 down, with maybe a bit of not tracking players or not concentrating and blocking crosses, but I actually thought we started the game quite well.

“We tried to put Arsenal under pressure, which everyone knows at the moment is difficult, but overall the players stuck at it and showed the character, resilience, and toughness which was required.”

Moyes also praised his midfield’s performance against the Gunners. Declan Rice, Tomas Soucek and Lucas Paqueta did plenty of running to block passing lanes and win the ball.

West Ham’s first goal started with Rice winning the ball, and the coach praised his defensive awareness.

Moyes also waxed lyrical about Bowen’s contributions in recent weeks. He created one goal against Fulham last week and in their midweek clash with Gent.

Today, he got on the end of one chance which he finished. They have missed his goals and will hope he keeps up this form.