“Arsenal’s Super Swede strikes again

Story by Kali Korbis

Freddie Ljungberg again came up big for Arsenal, as the Gunners narrowly escaped a potentially devastating result to overcome West Ham 2-0 on Wednesday.

Ljungberg scored in the 77th minute, and assisted on Kanu’s 80th-minute goal, to lead the Gunners to victory over a tactically-refined West Ham side that managed to stifle Arsenal’s attack until the waning moments of the match.

However, it was the visitors that should have gone ahead in the first half, as Frederic Kanoute escaped a Tony Adams tackle, rounded a prostrate David Seaman, and slipped the ball in toward the net.

Ashley Cole slid in at the last moment in what appeared to be a goal-saving clearance; however, replays showed that Kanoute’s shot had crossed the line and should have counted as a goal. The linesman, whose view was most likely impeded by Cole’s position on the goal line, did not get a clear view and failed to indicate a goal.

The first half continued scoreless, and grew increasingly tense, as Arsenal dominated possession but were frustrated by a patient West Ham defence.

Though the Gunners came out of the halftime break with a renewed sense of urgency, their high-pressure attack forced West Ham goalkeeper into several world-class saves but failed to yield any goals. As play progressed scorelessly, the atmosphere at Highbury grew increasingly pressure-laden while Arsenal searched for a way to score.

Finally, Ljungberg stepped forward again to emerge as the Gunners’ saviour. Dennis Bergkamp, moving in from the right flank, made one of his signature cutting passes into the box, and Ljungberg’s one-touch effort was quick enough to beat James for the goal.

Less than three minutes later, Arsenal had doubled their lead, as Ljungberg looped a high ball in from the left and found Kanu at the back post. The lanky Nigerian’s shot smacked the ground, deceiving James, and forcefully found itself in the back of the net.

With only ten minutes remaining in the match, the Hammers were doomed, despite bringing on top scorer Jermain Defoe for Kanoute, and Arsenal survived the early scare for a vital Premiership win.

The Gunners, who now need only two more victories to clinch the title, will face Bolton on Monday in a match that could very well decide the fate of the trophy this season.

Teams:

Arsenal: Seaman, Lauren, Adams, Keown, Cole, Ljungberg (Dixon 90), Parlour, Vieira, Edu (Kanu 64), Bergkamp (Grimandi 80), Henry.

Subs not used: Jeffers, Wright.

West Ham: James, Schemmel (Labant 17), Pearce, Dailly, Repka, Winterburn, Carrick, Lomas, Sinclair, Cole, Kanoute (Defoe 74).

Subs not used: Hislop, Potts, Garcia.

Referee: S. Dunn (Bristol).

106″