Arsenal won again! Though the first third of the match was driven by West Ham the turning point in Arsenal’s favour arrived when Santi Cazorla was awarded a deserved penalty for a foul by Winston Reid in the 40th minute.
This time there was no mistaking who would take the shot and this became the first of many “heart-in-mouth” moments for me (I’d missed Alex Song’s disallowed offside goal in the sixth minute). Thankfully, in the 41st minute, Cazorla did one of those things that he does best and the ball found the back of the net. Less than two minutes later Mathieu Debuchy passed to Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. The Ox then crossed the ball to Danny Welbeck who tapped it in at the far post. One minute shy of half time and Arsenal were two goals up.
The second half was like another game altogether. Both teams came out with the objective of winning the match but this time Arsenal dominated. Even Cheikhou Kouyate’s 55th minute goal couldn’t dampen Arsenal’s determination. For the remaining duration of the game there were numerous attempts on goal by both teams without fruition. As is quite usual, with five minutes of added time it seemed as though we couldn’t go another minute without West Ham scoring that vital equaliser (vital to them anyway). By this time my heart was going nineteen to the dozen and I couldn’t wait for the ref to blow the final whistle. What a relief it was when he did. Though Arsenal may not have reached the desired fourth place spot but at least we’re heading in the right direction. And it would seem that I was not the only one left with a heart beating slightly harder and faster than it should have been.
I’ve decided to have a doctor by my side whenever i’m watching #AFC these days. Gosh,it’s always a heart attack! — Jen2emmy (@Emmyebimoh) December 28, 2014
Again, #Arsenal try to give me a heart attack. How long can I live though this team? Anyway, three points. Now three pints. #WHUvAFC #AFC — Arsenal Brooklyn (@ArsenalBrooklyn) December 28, 2014
Being an Arsenal fan requires you to make sure anxiety attacks and heart conditions are covered in your health insurance policy. #afc — Melbourne Gooner (@devgooner) December 28, 2014
If anyone needs me, i’ll be in the corner performing open heart surgery on myself after that #AFC #WHUvAFC — Daft Aider (@Jay_Aird) December 28, 2014
That was too close for comfort. Can an Arsenal match not give me a heart attack. Just once. #AFC — Rahul (@rahul_793) December 28, 2014
Heart rate just about returning to normal… #AFC — gσσиєɾgιɾℓω (@GoonerGirlW) December 28, 2014
Another 3 points! I love my team, but I’m honestly tired of scraping through these games. It’s harsh on the heart. @Arsenal #afc — Franz Kafka (@_DARREN_G) December 28, 2014