Arsenal vs West Ham LIVE! Premier League result, match stream and latest updates today

Arsenal vs West Ham LIVE!

Arsenal missed the chance to go back to the top of the Premier League table on Thursday night. The Gunners remain second and two points behind title rivals Liverpool after slumping to a shock first home defeat of the season in any competition in a festive London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

Tomas Soucek controversially gave in-form West Ham a 13th-minute lead on the night, with the goal allowed to stand despite question marks over whether the ball had gone out of play before being hooked back into the box by Jarrod Bowen. There was no doubt about the second goal after half-time though, with former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos heading in a trademark James Ward-Prowse set-piece delivery off both the crossbar and post.

Arsenal will hope to bounce back quickly with another derby at Fulham on New Year's Eve, while the Hammers move into the top six before hosting Brighton next. Follow Arsenal vs West Ham reaction live below, with expert analysis from Standard Sport's Simon Collings and Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal vs West Ham highlights

• GOAL! Former Gunner Mavropanos heads in

• Lucas Paqueta forced off injured for West Ham

• GOAL! Soucek strike stands after long VAR check

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

22:30 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

I've not heard a rendition of "Super David Moyes" as loud as that all season.

He'll be into the final six months of his contract in a few days' time...

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

22:17 , George Flood

Full-time

Superb from in-form West Ham, who inflict Arsenal's first home loss of the season to move into the top six.Arsenal, meanwhile, miss the chance to go back top and remain two points behind Liverpool.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

22:12 , George Flood

96 mins: Raya guesses right and thwarts Benrahma from the spot.

But it won't cheer up Arteta a jot as the final whistle sounds.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

22:11 , George Flood

95 mins: PENALTY TO WEST HAM AT THE DEATH!

Rice fouls Emerson! No doubt about that one.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

22:09 , George Flood

93 mins: Another save from Areola as Arsenal now attack in late waves.

But still West Ham hold on rather comfortably in the rain.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

22:07 , George Flood

90 mins: Into five minutes of added time at the Emirates.

A powerful drive from Odegaard is steered around the post by Areola before Nelson fires high and wide.

Jesus into the book for Arsenal.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

22:05 , George Flood

88 mins: An acrobatic effort from Nketiah is inventive but pretty tame and it's another comfortable stop for Areola.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

22:02 , George Flood

85 mins: No power on that effort from Smith Rowe that is easily held by Areola.

West Ham look so comfortable at the moment, inside the final five minutes.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:59 , George Flood

83 mins: No penalty after a VAR check. Play on.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:58 , George Flood

82 mins: Saka goes down under minimal contact from Ogbonna and wants a penalty, but nothing given.

VAR Craig Pawson will have a look, but that looked desperate from the England man.

Jesus also had hold of Ogbonna's shirt.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:56 , George Flood

80 mins: He almost does straight away, with Smith Rowe just unable to get his head to a clipped cross from Odegaard to the back post.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:55 , George Flood

79 mins: Smith Rowe gets a good reception as he replaces the ineffective Trossard.

Can the homegrown favourite make a telling impact off the bench?

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:54 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

West Ham fans: "Declan, what's the score?"

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:54 , George Flood

78 mins: Saka works the space for a low shot that is comfortably held by Areola.

Smith Rowe is now being readied by Arsenal. He will replace Trossard.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:51 , George Flood

75 mins: That's a vital defensive header from Coufal to prevent Jesus from turning home a corner from the right that was flicked on by Gabriel.

Odegaard then drives well wide from outside the box.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:50 , George Flood

74 mins: 'Oles' now coming from the away end as West Ham enjoy a short-lived spell of possession inside their own half with just over 15 minutes plus stoppage time to play and a 2-0 lead.

Odegaard cuts back to Trossard, who gets past Ogbonna before a shot is blocked wide by the foot of Areola. Getting closer...

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:49 , George Flood

73 mins: White with a crucial block on Benrahma there as West Ham countered with menace again.

One more goal from the visitors and this is surely all over.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:48 , George Flood

71 mins: Ogbonna with another eye-catching block, this time to thwart Rice.

Arsenal substitute Nelson is booked for a poor challenge on Soucek.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:46 , George Flood

70 mins: Arsenal are getting some dangerous balls into the box now and have a free-kick in a decent position out on the left.

But Nelson's delivery is hideous and whacked well beyond the far post.

So much frustration in the air at the Emirates right now.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:43 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Jesus guilty of missing two big chances.

You can almost hear the calls for Arsenal to sign a striker next month in the groans right now.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:42 , George Flood

66 mins: Two big chances for Jesus!

His first header is held well by Areola, the second sent well off target.

The substitutions have sparked a bit of life from Arsenal here, with Odegaard also playing a key role.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:40 , George Flood

63 mins: Attentive defending from Mavropanos to track Jesus all the way there before Areola comes to collect.

Agitated Arsenal fans want a corner, but they won't get it.

Nelson and Nketiah replace Martinelli and Zinchenko.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:39 , George Flood

Here's former Arsenal defender Mavropanos coming back to haunt his former club...

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:38 , George Flood

62 mins: Arsenal back to huffing and puffing with no end product as Arteta prepares a couple of much-needed changes.

Reiss Nelson and Eddie Nketiah will be on soon.

Less than half an hour to play.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:35 , George Flood

58 mins: More frustration from Arsenal and Jesus, who lashes an effort well off target.

Not their night at all so far.

Arsenal 0-2 West Ham

21:35 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

We spoke to Mavropanos in the mixed zone a few weeks back.

He'd been scoring goals quite regularly for Greece and was asked whether he thought he could bring the same threat here.

He replied that he was in no rush to open his account - what a time to do so.

GOAL! Arsenal 0-2 West Ham | Konstantinos Mavropanos 55'

21:31 , George Flood

55 mins: The former Arsenal defender makes it two!

Ward-Prowse's typically excellent corner from the left is headed in off both the crossbar and post by Mavropanos, who does not celebrate against his former club.

Arsenal with a mountain to climb now. West Ham in dreamland.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:31 , George Flood

54 mins: Brilliant work from Alvarez twice to stop Arsenal attacks in their tracks.

West Ham break well and Bowen finds Emerson, whose drilled low cross is blocked behind by White.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:29 , George Flood

53 mins: Excellent defending from Gabriel to stop Kudus as West Ham try to launch a counter-attack.

A whipped, dipping effort from Rice from range then whistles narrowly over the crossbar. Superb strike.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:28 , George Flood

52 mins: Arsenal are getting some confidence back here as the rain continues to lash down.

A heavy touch from Martinelli thwarts one attack, a poor ball from Odegaard the next.

But they are looking more dangerous now with so much time left on the clock.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:27 , George Flood

51 mins: Good football again from Arsenal in and around the box as a stood-up cross is headed away by Coufal before Ogbonna does well to prevent Jesus from getting near to Martinelli's clipped ball towards the back post.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:25 , George Flood

48 mins: Jesus wins an early second-half corner off Alvarez as the Arsenal fans try to lift their below-par side with plenty of time left here.

The rain is now hammering down at the Emirates, with Trossard absolutely flattened by Kudus as he tries to volley Odegaard's training-ground corner delivery to the edge of the box.

He stays down but Michael Oliver is content for play to continue. No foul.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:21 , George Flood

Back underway at the Emirates!

No further changes at the break.

Can Arsenal rescue this?

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:18 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

The Tottenham score - 4-2 to Brighton - has just been announced over the PA. It draws a very half-hearted cheer indeed.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:18 , George Flood

Thierry Henry is pointing out at half-time on Amazon Prime Video that it is baffling in the year 2023 why we still can't look at overhead camera angles to see if the ball has gone out of play in a Premier League game.

Rules expert and former referee Mark Clattenburg agrees, explaining that all you would need is a chip in the ball as we see at major tournaments like the World Cup.

Clattenburg also says that the position of Bowen's thigh blocked a couple of reference points that could have been used with the technology used for offside decisions.

There wasn't enough to overturn it with the camera angles we saw after the on-field decision was goal, but I'm sure Mikel Arteta will see it differently.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:10 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

Probably as David Moyes would have dreamt it - West Ham have taken their one chance and limited Arsenal to only a couple from Saka.

Midfield three putting in a huge shift.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:06 , George Flood

Half-time

Soucek's controversial early goal is the difference at the break.The Gunners have not been at the races so far tonight, with West Ham's joy tempered by that injury to Paqueta.A big second half to come.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:06 , George Flood

50 mins: Solid again from Ogbonna as he rushes out to block a hopeful long-range effort from Trossard.

The half-time whistle sounds.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:05 , George Flood

49 mins: Arsenal fans scream in vain for a penalty after Odegaard plays a wonderful flick through the legs of Alvarez and into Jesus, who returns the favour.

But Odegaard is then stopped in his tracks by what replays show was actually a wonderfully-timed challenge from Ogbonna.

Fair play to the Italian and Mavropanos, they've been impressive so far tonight after all the pre-match fears.

Still a hell of a long way to go, though!

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:02 , George Flood

47 mins: TV cameras pick up Paqueta back out on the West Ham bench with heavy icing on that left leg.

It was originally being reported as a knee knock in the warm-up, but that looks like calf or hamstring.

Hard to tell until we get an update from Moyes after the game.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:01 , George Flood

45 mins: Five minutes of added time at the end of this first half.

Arsenal are still huffing and puffing but look notably short on quality and ideas so far tonight.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

21:00 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

West Ham's midfield three are working so hard here to get to grips with Arsenal's movement. They've done a superb job so far - and I suspect the lungs fill up a little quicker when you're defending a lead.

That was the first time all half Arsenal have been able to expose it, but Alvarez's poor pass left Ogbonna out of position and he lost his bearings completely as Saka ran in behind.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:57 , George Flood

42 mins: Woodwork!

Odegaard threads a beautiful low pass into the path of Saka, whose first touch narrows the angle too much as he powers against the post.

A let-off for West Ham.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:56 , George Flood

39 mins: West Ham are defending very diligently on the edge of their own penalty box just at the moment.

Great poise and strength from Kudus also to draw Saka into a clumsy foul that earns the Hammers some respite.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:54 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Arsenal will be desperate to get a goal before the break.

They've had so much possession, but nothing to show for it.

Got to be more ruthless in front of goal.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:53 , George Flood

37 mins: Nice football from Arsenal as they work the ball cutely around the box and Jesus looks to be felled trying to hurdle a risky challenge from goalscorer Soucek before Martinelli shoots wide.

The VAR takes a look at that challenge, but nothing given.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:50 , George Flood

34 mins: Arsenal work a short-corner routine from the right and Zinchenko delivers a cross that a leaping White glances well wide.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:49 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

Big blow for West Ham that, given Mohammed Kudus is about to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations and Michail Antonio is still not fit.

David Moyes running out of forwards - or ones he rates anyway.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:48 , George Flood

31 mins: Paqueta is clearly not right here and goes down with his hand covering his face, having started despite that knock suffered in the warm-up.

He limps to the sideline pointing at his left hamstring.

He's not going to continue. Benrahma coming on.

Another major fitness blow for West Ham.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:46 , George Flood

30 mins: Better from Arsenal as Jesus lofts a pass above Soucek and onto the head of Saka, whose effort is tipped behind by Areola.

That raises the noise levels once again.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:46 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Trossard really struggling at the moment.

That free-kick routine there reminded me of Henry and Pires' infamous penalty all those years ago.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:45 , George Flood

29 mins: Arsenal earn another corner that fails to clear the first man.

It's all gone very, very flat from a Gunners perspective since the goal, with fans already getting a bit disgruntled at the lack of quality on display - particularly in terms of their set-piece delivery.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:42 , George Flood

27 mins: Ward-Prowse steps on Jesus from behind, with the Arsenal striker going down in pain.

He's back up as the Gunners have a free-kick in a great position, but it's driven disappointingly straight into the wall.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:41 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

A lot of talk about the West Ham centre-backs in the build-up but despite Arsenal's possession, I'm not sure either of them have had to do any defending yet.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:41 , George Flood

25 mins: Arsenal are dominating possession in search of a swift equaliser, but they aren't putting that second-choice West Ham centre-back pairing under much pressure at the moment.

It's all a bit lacking in ideas and imagination.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:39 , George Flood

Here is that opening goal from Soucek that has stunned the Emirates...

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:37 , George Flood

19 mins: Arsenal penalty appeals are waved away after Saka falls while trying to squeeze through the gap between Emerson and Paqueta.

Right decision.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:35 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

That looked super tight, so I assume VAR has said stick with the on-field call as no conclusive evidence to go against it.

Either way, intrigued to see what Arteta says after.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:34 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

West Ham went 1-0 up in this fixture last season but you never really fancied them to see it out.

Now though, they have a forward line that is ruthless on the break.

David Moyes could not have wished for a better set of circumstances.

Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

20:33 , George Flood

15 mins: The goal stands after a lengthy VAR check!

The on-field decision was goal, so they needed to find conclusive proof to overturn the decision.

The ball looked in on some replays and out on others, with Bowen's body obscuring the key camera angles.

West Ham lead! How will Arsenal respond to that shock early setback?

GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 West Ham | Tomas Soucek 13'

20:28 , George Flood

13 mins: The Hammers take a shock early lead!

Arsenal can't clear a dangerous Emerson cross from the left as Zinchenko's clearance hits Gabriel, Bowen somehow keeps it in from the byline and Soucek fires home emphatically from close range.

But we need a long VAR check to see if the ball had gone out before Bowen knocked it back...

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

20:28 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

A pocket of West Ham fans are looking to boo Declan Rice whenever he's on the ball.

Arsenal supporters trying to drown it out by cheering as soon as the boos start.

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

20:27 , George Flood

11 mins: Positive Arsenal are still doing a good job of getting the ball wide at speed, they just need to find that final pass.

A through ball into the path of Martinelli in the box opens up space for Trossard, who is just leaning back as he fails to test Areola.

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

20:25 , George Flood

10 mins: Zinchenko slides in rather recklessly on Coufal and is perhaps lucky not to pick up an early yellow card as West Ham look to spring forward on the counter-attack.

Ward-Prowse's decent delivery from the right is headed well off target.

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

20:24 , George Flood

8 mins: Now it's West Ham's right flank that looks vulnerable, with Arsenal earning a corner that is repelled at the front post by Coufal.

There was a bright moment from Bowen on the break a few minutes ago and West Ham could use more of that as they are properly under the cosh already.

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

20:23 , George Flood

7 mins: Arsenal look in the mood tonight and are being roared on by a noisy home support.

They are using the width well to stretch this undermanned West Ham defence, with Zinchenko's handball appeal against Coufal denied.

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

20:22 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

It's for his attacking talents that West Ham will be delighted that Paqueta is fit to start, but he's also a huge upgrade on Said Benrahma in terms of his defensive work.

The first few minutes suggest Emerson is going to need all the help he can get down this flank.

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

20:21 , George Flood

5 mins: West Ham are already firmly under pressure here, with flicks and tricky aplenty from confident Arsenal as they pour down that right flank.

Saka's dangerous cross from the byline is diverted away by the fingertips of Areola.

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

20:19 , George Flood

3 mins: A great atmosphere already at the Emirates as Arsenal get themselves on the ball and probe patiently in search of an early opening.

Saka is involved heavily already down the right flank, getting beyond Emerson before trying to pick out the far corner and firing straight at Areola after a gorgeous flick from Odegaard to take Alvarez out of the game.

The crowd certainly appreciated that flashy bit of skill!

Arsenal 0-0 West Ham

20:17 , George Flood

1 min: The first effort in anger of the night comes from West Ham, all in blue tonight with Arsenal in their classic red and white home strips.

Ward-Prowse with a difficult effort that flies well over the crossbar.

Arsenal vs West Ham

20:16 , George Flood

Underway at the Emirates!Will Arsenal return to the Premier League summit tonight?

Arsenal vs West Ham

20:14 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Simon Collings at the Emirates Stadium

Trossard has spoken publicly about how he feels he can thrive as a No8 in midfield.

He has played there for Belgium - and on occasion for Arsenal. Now he gets the chance to stake his claim.

Arsenal vs West Ham

20:11 , George Flood

Lucas Paqueta STARTS for West Ham as scheduled.

We'll see if that proves a wise decision.

Here come the teams at the Emirates!

Arsenal vs West Ham

20:06 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

We wait for news on Lucas Paqueta's fitness.

The one thing to keep hope for West Ham fans is that he's been playing through a calf problem for weeks now and in a couple of recent games has gone down, needed lengthy treatment and then been able to carry on.

Pablo Fornals and Said Benrahma, the two candidates to replace him, are the last of the West Ham substitutes to leave the pitch after the warm-up.

Lucas Paqueta struggling in West Ham warm-up

20:03 , George Flood

Another massive concern for West Ham here, with Lucas Paqueta appearing to pick up a knock during the warm-up.

He was down receiving treatment and has now gone back in with the rest of the Hammers squad.

We wait to hear if he will be pulled from the starting XI late on.

What a blow that would be for Moyes.

Arsenal vs West Ham

19:56 , George Flood

Arsenal icon Thierry Henry is pitchside at the Emirates tonight, performing punditry duties for Amazon Prime Video...

Arsenal vs West Ham

19:48 , George Flood

Standard Sport reporters Malik Ouzia and Simon Collings are in position to offer their pre-match thoughts from the Emirates...

Arsenal vs West Ham

19:40 , George Flood

Standard Sport's Malik Ouzia at the Emirates Stadium

I've not been convinced by either of Konstantinos Mavropanos or Angelo Ogbonna this season, even when they've played alongside one of the first-choice pair.

The fact they start together tonight has to be a huge worry. And a penny for the thoughts, too, of Thilo Kehrer.

His versatility was lauded as one of the reasons for his signing 18 months ago but he cannot buy a start in any side, including the much-changed one that lost at Liverpool last week.

Moyes offers update on injured West Ham captain Zouma

19:37 , George Flood

David Moyes has revealed why West Ham captain Kurt Zouma is not involved tonight.

"Yesterday, Kurt felt his knee in training," he said.

"This morning we thought he would make it, but he wasn't quite ready after fitness tests.

"It's disappointing, he's our captain and he's played well this season. With Nayef also missing it's a blow for us."

No Zouma or Aguerd in West Ham defence

19:30 , George Flood

West Ham are not only still without the ill Nayef Aguerd tonight, but captain and fellow defender Kurt Zouma is also absent with a knock.

That means that the Hammers line up at the Emirates with a second-choice centre-back pairing of Angelo Ogbonna and former Gunner Konstantinos Mavropanos, who both struggled notably in the 5-1 Carabao Cup quarter-final thrashing at Liverpool last week.

Ogbonna for Zouma is the only change from Saturday's win over Manchester United, with Maxwel Cornet returning to the bench after his own bout of illness.

Trossard replaces suspended Havertz for Arsenal

19:26 , George Flood

So it's Leandro Trossard who gets the nod to replace the suspended Kai Havertz for Arsenal, with midfielders Jorginho, Emile Smith Rowe and Mohamed Elneny all on the bench along with young Ethan Nwaneri.

Otherwise it's as you were from Mikel Arteta following that frantic 1-1 draw with title rivals Liverpool on Merseyside.

West Ham lineup

19:17 , George Flood

Starting XI: Areola, Coufal, Mavropanos, Ogbonna, Emerson Palmieri, Alvarez, Soucek, Kudus, Ward-Prowse, Lucas Paqueta, Bowen.

Subs: Fabianski, Johnson, Cresswell, Fornals, Cornet, Ings, Benrahma, Kehrer, Mubama

Arsenal lineup

19:16 , George Flood

Starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko, Odegaard, Rice, Trossard, Saka, Gabriel Jesus, Martinelli

Subs: Ramsdale, Smith Rowe, Nketiah, Kiwior, Cedric, Jorginho, Nelson, Elneny, Nwaneri

Lineups on the way

19:09 , George Flood

Just over five minutes now until we get those official starting lineups from the Emirates, including who is filling the Havertz void in Arsenal's midfield.

Stay tuned!

Moyes hails Arteta's 'brilliant job' at Arsenal

19:05 , George Flood

David Moyes and Mikel Arteta share a friendly relationship from their time together at Everton, where the current Arsenal boss spent six years as a player between 2005-11.

And the West Ham coach could not be more impressed with the job being done by his former midfield maestro at the Emirates.

"I've been impressed with Mikel since he first went in," Moyes said.

"He won the FA Cup and the Community Shield, so a couple of wins right at the start.

"Then obviously it went a bit difficult and there was a lot of talk about him, but he hasn't half proved all those doubters wrong because he's done a brilliant job with Arsenal.

"He's got them incredibly competitive, back around the top of the league and competing again. I think most Arsenal supporters will be happy with Mikel."

Moyes expecting tougher challenge than Carabao Cup clash

18:55 , George Flood

Tonight will be the second meeting between Arsenal and West Ham so far this season, with the Hammers running out surprise 3-1 winners in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup at the London Stadium at the start of November - a match that marked Declan Rice's first return to the club he left in that blockbuster £105m transfer last summer.

Mohammed Kudus and Jarrod Bowen - also the scorers against Manchester United on Saturday - were on target that night along with a Ben White own goal as Arsenal got a very late consolation through captain Martin Odegaard.

But David Moyes knows that this evening's game will pose a much bigger challenge.

"(I'm expecting) huge challenges. Arsenal have always been a really hard team to beat," he said.

"We had a good result against them in the cup but this is a different competition.

"The league throws up different players and Arsenal changed their team for the game in the League Cup so they will be back to their full-strength team, I've no doubt, and going to the Emirates Stadium has never been an easy game."

Moyes thrilled with West Ham progress before Arsenal test

18:38 , George Flood

West Ham have been in really good form of late, albeit with a couple of major bumps along the way in the form of heavy defeats away at Fulham and then Liverpool in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, being hit for five on both occasions.

Otherwise they have shaken off illness and fatigue concerns to win five of their last seven games in the top-flight and another victory tonight would see them pocket 33 points at the halfway point of a Premier League season for the very first time.

They would also go above Manchester United and into the top six, but it's worth noting that West Ham have lost 35 times against Arsenal in the Premier League era - including on 12 of their last 13 trips to the Emirates.

David Moyes is also still without a win away from home as a manager against Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United in 72 combined attempts, per Opta Sports.

"We're really pleased with the progress we've made," Moyes said this week.

"We've got 30 points in the league, which is a really good total for us at this time of year.

"We want to keep it going and we think we can get better and do even more."

Ethan Nwaneri set for Arsenal squad return?

18:23 , George Flood

Whispers on social media this afternoon that Ethan Nwaneri is back in the Arsenal matchday squad tonight.

The 16-year-old midfielder, the youngest player ever to feature for both Arsenal and in the Premier League in general, has not played in a senior game since his historic debut cameo at Brentford last September, instead largely biding his time at youth level and in the EFL Trophy.

But the Gunners are notably light on midfield options now with Havertz suspended and Partey and Vieira both out, meaning a place back on the bench could beckon for the highly-rated academy star, who was also among the substitutes for the dead-rubber Champions League tie against PSV Eindhoven earlier this month but did not get on.

Mikel Arteta: Arsenal ready to do business in January

18:10 , George Flood

Arsenal's squad depth has certainly been tested in recent weeks and that will be the case again tonight with the suspended Kai Havertz joining injured quartet Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Fabio Vieira and Jurrien Timber on the sidelines.

And Mikel Arteta has admitted that the Gunners are ready to exploit the January transfer market in order to fill those gaps if the right opportunities arise.

"At the moment, it is very difficult. We are really short," he said this week.

"We have positions that we have been very exposed for the last six weeks and hopefully we are going to get players back. In what condition and when?

"That's a question mark and as well because we have some long-term injuries still for certain players that give us a lot of versatility and that's an issue.

"We have certain targets, ideas if things happen. As well, we don't know how the squad is going to look in two weeks' time and you have to be always prepared for that.

"But it is a very, very tricky market that shifts very quickly and it is quite unpredictable as well - and you have to be prepared. We will be prepared and we will try to make the right calls.

"If there is something that we can (do to) improve the squad and that needs appear, and we cannot fulfil it with players here, we are always going to be open to do that because we want to be stronger."

Arsenal vs West Ham prediction

17:56 , George Flood

The Gunners have fared well in tight games against strong defences.

Arsenal to win, 1-0.

Arsenal vs West Ham predicted lineups

17:54 , George Flood

Here is how Standard Sport sees both teams potentially lining up in tonight's London derby showdown at the Emirates...

Predicted Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Odegaard, Jorginho, Rice; Saka, Jesus, Trossard

Predicted West Ham XI (4-3-3): Areola; Coufal, Zouma, Aguerd, Emerson; Soucek, Alvarez, Ward-Prowse; Kudus, Bowen, Paqueta

West Ham team news

17:52 , George Flood

West Ham's main concern is over defender Nayef Aguerd, who missed both Saturday's win over Manchester United and the heavy Carabao Cup quarter-final defeat at Liverpool last week through illness.

If the Moroccan is still not fit to return tonight, then former Arsenal centre-back Konstantinos Mavropanos would surely partner captain Kurt Zouma in the heart of defence.

Ivorian winger Maxwel Cornet will also need to be checked after illness, though Michail Antonio is not yet ready to return from his knee problem.

Arsenal team news

17:49 , George Flood

Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz tonight after the versatile German international collected his fifth yellow card of the season against Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, incurring an automatic one-match ban.

Jorginho, Emile Smith Rowe and Leandro Trossard will be among those competing to take his place as manager Mikel Arteta ponders maybe a slight rejig and potentially other personnel changes amid a hectic festive fixture schedule.

Otherwise it's a case of as you were in terms of injuries, with the Gunners still missing Thomas Partey, Takehiro Tomiyasu, Fabio Vieira and Jurrien Timber.

Where to watch Arsenal vs West Ham

17:47 , George Flood

TV channel: In the UK, tonight's game will be televised live on Amazon Prime Video.

Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via the Amazon Prime Video app and website.

Welcome to Arsenal vs West Ham live coverage

17:45 , George Flood

Good evening and a very warm welcome to Standard Sport's live coverage of Arsenal vs West Ham in the Premier League.

The festive fixture list has thrown up a potential post-Christmas cracker of a London derby between two in-form sides with their own clear goals at the Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal must win tonight to go back above Liverpool and see in the New Year as top-flight leaders after a frantic 1-1 draw between the title rivals at Anfield last weekend was followed by Jurgen Klopp's men beating struggling Burnley 2-0 at Turf Moor on Boxing Day.

But they could face a tough challenge against a West Ham team that have won five of their last seven in the league and beat Manchester United 2-0 on Saturday.

They would go above the Red Devils and into the top six by avoiding defeat here, though their record in these parts is dismal to put it mildly and David Moyes has still never won away at Arsenal in his long managerial career.

Kick-off tonight is at the later time of 8:15pm GMT, so stay tuned for all the latest team news and live updates throughout - including expert analysis from Standard Sport reporters Simon Collings and Malik Ouzia at the Emirates.