Benrahma exhibits quality as Arsenal fightback for draw at West Ham

In one of the most entertaining games of the Premier League season so far, West Ham and Arsenal shared six goals in a thriller at the London Stadium.

Amongst several stand-out performances in the final third for both teams, Said Benrahma contributed to an impressive attacking performance from the Hammers.

The Algerian winger, signed from Brentford in the summer on an initial loan deal, secured his move across London permanently in the January transfer window.

As Michail Antonio drifted into wide areas to influence play, Benrahma was comfortable operating in the centre of the Hammers’ attack and continued to show for possession all afternoon.

When the ball came his way, the objective was always to be positive and play forward. That instinct contributed to West Ham’s opener.

Benrahma played Antonio down the Hammers’ left-hand side. The forward powered into the area before pulling the ball back to Jesse Lingard, who fired a superb strike into the top corner past Bernd Leno.

Lingard’s confidence was on full display throughout the contest and his quick-thinking doubled West Ham’s lead within 98 seconds. The winger, recently called back into the England squad for their March fixtures, took a free-kick before the Arsenal defence were set. His pass found Jarrod Bowen and his fellow Hammers forward finished low through Leno.

Benrahma and Lingard combined throughout the first half at the London Stadium as their neat touches opened spaces within the Gunners backline.

After being in and out of the team during his time at the Hammers so far, the game against Arsenal presented the 25-year-old with a chance to impress. His positive intent would’ve been appreciated by West Ham fans, although the connection with Cresswell on the left-hand side was sometimes ineffective due to a lack of communication and chemistry between the pair.

They were tasked with a defensive effort between the duo in the second half as Arsenal pressured for a way back into the contest. Despite finding a third through a combination of Tomas Soucek and Antonio, Alexandre Lacazette’s deflected effort just before half-time had reduced West Ham’s lead to two at the break.

Benrahma’s ability was on full display when facing up against Martin Odegaard with twenty minutes on the clock. Needing to relieve some pressure, the former Nice youngster performed two step-overs before breezing past the Norwegian international. Unfortunately for West Ham, Benrahma failed to complete the move, overhitting a pass searching for Bowen.

The winger created a golden opportunity for the Hammers to find a fourth and surely seal the win after a Craig Dawson own goal has increased the pressure on his team. Receiving the ball within the area, Benrahma bursted down to the touchline before firing across goal. Antonio was there to tap home from a matter of yards out, but the striker poked his effort off the post to gasps around the London Stadium.

That would prove to be his final action. Benrahma was withdrawn with ten minutes to go to muffled applause around the ground.

Arsenal would find the leveller a couple of minutes later through Lacazette, who was superb all day for the visitors.

Despite ultimately failing to hold on for the win, Benrahma’s performance should go down as one of encouragement. The signs of his ability are evident and his last involvement should have been an assist to secure the Hammers’ fourth.

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