West Ham United and Arsenal have played out a goalless draw in Wednesday's Premier League fixture at the London Stadium.
Arsenal dominated for large periods against their city rivals, with their best opportunity coming through Alex Iwobi who struck the post.
West Ham had a goal from Marko Arnautovic disallowed for offside during the first half, while Javier Hernandez struck the underside of the crossbar in the final minute of normal time.
Find out how all of the action unfolded on in East London courtesy of Sports Mole's minute-by-minute updates below.
Hello and welcome to Sports Mole's live coverage of the match in the Premier League between West Ham United and Arsenal. The Gunners are favourites to prevail at the London Stadium, but the Hammers are on a high after their win over Chelsea. Let's see who David Moyes and Arsene Wenger have selected in their starting lineups...
WEST HAM UNITED XI: Adrian; Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Noble, Obiang, Arnautovic, Lanzini, Masuaku; Antonio
WEST HAM UNITED SUBSTITUTES: Hart, Rice, Collins, Ayew, Carroll, Sakho, Hernandez
ARSENAL XI: Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Monreal, Maitland-Niles; Xhaka, Wilshere, Iwobi; Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud
ARSENAL SUBSTITUTES: Ospina, Chambers, Kolasinac, Coquelin, Elneny, Welbeck, Lacazette
Let's start with the simple bit, shall we? As expected, Moyes has decided to keep the same XI which began against Chelsea. It means that the Hammers continue to operate without a recognised striker, withh Michail Antonio once again taking on the role as the lone attacker.
As it stands, we think West Ham will be lining up in a 4-5-1 formation, but that could easily switch to a 5-4-1 with Arthur Masuaku filling in at left wing-back and Aaron Cresswell moving into the centre.
Mark Noble has kept his place in the starting lineup having impressed Moyes at the weekend. The club skipper had been dropped from the team soon after the Scot's arrival but it now appears that he is back in favour in the centre of the park. The Englishman and Pedro Obiang have an important job to do this evening.
Once again, it's an extremely attacking bench with Andy Carroll, Diafra Sakho and Javier Hernandez all in reserve. Hernandez remains the club's top goalscorer, despite not having made an appearance under Moyes due to injury and remaining among the replacements.
Now then, let's get on to Arsenal because Wenger has decided that he has had enough of questions about when Jack Wilshere and Olivier Giroud are going to make their first Premier League start this season. Both players come into the team with Aaron Ramsey out due to a hamstring injury and Alexandre Lacazette only making the bench.
There are a total of four changes in total, with Per Mertesacker and Sead Kolasinac dropping out of the side and Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Alex Iwobi coming in. Maitland-Niles will be making his first-ever start in the top flight.
While there have been a number of changes in personnel, Wenger has also seemingly tinkered with his formation. The Arsenal Twitter page has suggested that the Gunners will line up 4-2-3-1 tonight, with Laurent Koscielny and Nacho Monreal acting as the two centre-backs and Maitland-Niles being deployed at left-back.
As far as the bench is concerned, there is a return for Calum Chambers but Theo Walcott is again left out. It will only raise questions marks about whether the winger will still be at the Emirates Stadium come the end of January.
Moyes divided opinion when he arrived at the London Stadium and that probably remains the case, but the Scot has at least delivered the Hammers' first win in nine games and against Chelsea of all teams. It was a performance which surprised a lot of people but now the aim is to find a way of replicating their level of commitment over a sustained period of time. The club's supporters will demand nothing less tonight.
However, despite the triumph, West Ham remained in the relegation zone, meaning that Moyes has started his last 42 matches in the Premier League in the bottom three. Sure, most of that run has been put together at Sunderland but still, he will want out of there as soon as possible.
One thing in West Ham's favour tonight is that each of their league wins this season have come in the league. Huddersfield Town and Swansea City were also defeated in close matches with saw the Hammers keep a clean sheet. Is it too much to ask for a fourth helping of that combination tonight...?
The fact that West Ham have kept four clean sheets this season is not in keeping with possessing the second-worst defensive record in the division. As many as 32 goals have been shipped in their other 12 games, with only Stoke having conceded more.
As far as goals at the other end are concerned, only three players have scored more than one goal in the league this season - Hernandez, Ayew and Kouyate. Moyes will be hoping that Arnautovic can at least double his tally tonight having scored his first goal for the club at the weekend since his transfer from Stoke City in the summer.
In yesterday's pre-match press conference, Moyes was asked what he thought West Ham needed to do in order to get the better of Arsenal. His answer revolved around a fast start. Unfortunately, Arsenal had their slow start against Southampton at the weekend. Click here to see what he had to say.
The topic of Wilshere also came up, with Moyes suggesting that he may make a move for the midfielder during the summer. He's going to get a closer look at the player tonight. Click here to see what Moyes had to say.
Let's turn our attentions to Arsenal, with Wenger backing up his comments about the need to rotate his squad. The Frenchman hasn't necessarily taken that approach in the league this season, but with the Christmas and New Year period coming up, he has had to change his stance. Click here to see what he had to say.
One man who has been the victim of Wenger not making many changes in the top flight is Giroud, but the manager has insisted that he does not see the 31-year-old as a substitute. Read what Wenger has had to say about the opinion-dividing striker by clicking here.
One thing that has narked Wenger in the build-up to this game is West Ham's extra preparation time. Arsenal have had 24 hours less to prepare, with the draw at Southampton not concluding until 2pm on Sunday afternoon. West Ham had already had time to put their feet on Saturday night and have a lie-in on Sunday morning.
Most teams need a miracle to catch Manchester City this season, and that's a view shared by Lacazette. The summer signing has insisted that the runaway leaders are not unbeatable, but claims that Arsenal's campaign is not yet over. Click here to read his comments in full.
Arsenal may not have needed a miracle had they been performing better on the road this season. Just two wins and two draws have been recorded in eight matches, with defeats coming at Stoke City, Liverpool, Watford and Manchester City. Simply put, they need to be ruthless tonight because even a draw just won't do.
We've spoken about the West Ham defence, but Arsenal's backline on the road has been a shambles, too. Wenger has seen his team concede 32 goals on their travels in the top flight throughout 2017, with only Stoke City, Watford and West Ham conceding more than the North Londoners.
Arsenal have brought in four fresh players tonight, but how many minutes have they played in the Premier League this season? Not many, is the answer. Iwobi has been fairly active with 479 minutes to his name, but Giroud has just 254 minutes and Wilshere has just 86. As far as Maitland-Niles is concerned, he has made just one substitute outing all season.
PREDICTION! While West Ham will fancy their chances of recording a second successive win over a London rival, we think Arsenal will be on their game tonight. Don't expect the one-sided game which took place last season (we will come onto that in a moment), but we are backing the Gunners to run out 2-0 victors.
HEAD TO HEAD! Tonight's match represents the 136th time in which these two teams have faced each other in a competitive match, with Arsenal claiming 63 victories in comparison to 34 wins for West Ham. During their final season at Upton Park, the two teams played out a 3-3 draw, but all in all, West Ham have been woeful at home in this fixture. Arsenal have won six of their last seven matches in East London.
The corresponding fixture last season was as one-sided as it comes. While Arsenal only led 1-0 with three quarters of the game gone, they eventually clicked into top gear and scored four times in 15 minutes to run out 5-1 winners. Sanchez netted a hat-trick on that occasion.
It's time to blow some bubbles because the two teams are making their way out at the London Stadium. The home supporters are up for this and so they should - imagine taking the scalps of Chelsea and Arsenal in the space of a few days? Imagine Moyes doing that? It's possible but Arsenal are going to have something to say about it.
A reminder of the team news...
WEST HAM UNITED XI: Adrian; Zabaleta, Reid, Ogbonna, Cresswell; Noble, Obiang, Arnautovic, Lanzini, Masuaku; Antonio
ARSENAL XI: Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Monreal, Maitland-Niles; Xhaka, Wilshere, Iwobi; Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud
KICKOFF! Arsenal get us underway.
First things first, West Ham are starting with a back three and the first time they are attacked, they concede a corner. Danger signs already. The home side manage to get the ball away, though.
At the other end of the pitch, Koscielny and Monreal are being given too much time on the ball by Antonio, who is being dragged out wide. He needs to stay in the centre.
Neither side are really looking to take the initiative in this game. Plenty of passes are being made in the middle of the pitch but that's about it.
One player who has started brightly is Maitland-Niles. The left-back has just got forward before cutting back onto his right foot and delivering a cross for Giroud. However, the ball curled over the head of the forward and went out for a goal kick.
SHOT! The pressure is building. West Ham make a block on the edge of the area but the ball falls to Sanchez, who sees his low shot towards the near post well dealt with by Adrian.
Moyes had called for a fast start but West Ham have not come close to Cech's goal. The change is formation is suiting Arsenal right now.
West Ham's first real threat on goal comes from a long throw from Antonio but Arsenal make easy work of the clearance. Already, there are a few groans from the home supporters.
West Ham come SO close to taking the lead. Masuaku's cross is headed into the corner by Arnautovic but the winger is marginally offside. It's so close, but it's the correct decision.
Moyes was visibly disappointed with that call but what he will be pleased about is the crowd getting back behind their team. The first threat they posed almost led to a goal. Promising signs.
We've not seen much of Arsenal in the last five minutes. West Ham are starting to use the ball intelligently and leaving the Gunners to chase shadows. This game is warming up nicely.
After an Arsenal move comes to an end, West Ham break through Arnautovic but there is just Antonio in support. To be fair to the duo, they almost engineer a chance between them but Arnautovic is flagged offside.
SHOT! Better from Arsenal, who win a corner after a shot from Sanchez is deflected wide. From the resulting set piece, the ball finds its way to Maitland-Niles, but he drags a volley wide of the post from 20 yards.
This game is intriguing rather than getting anywhere near entertaining. Both teams are more focused on defence rather than attack, but there are still signs of quality in the final third at both ends.
West Ham fans would have started to doubt the capabilities of Arnautovic but the Austrian forward is starting to justify his price-tag. He's doing a fine job in supporting Antonio, but perhaps he would benefit from playing with a recognised striker?
WOODWORK! Arsenal strike the woodwork through Iwobi! The Nigerian cut inside onto his left foot inside the penalty area before seeing a low shot hit the post and rebound clear.
A sensational run from Arnautovic ends with the winger finding Lanzini on the edge of the box but the Argentine is unable to get a shot away. He's the man of the match so far.
This game is becoming end to end but not to the extent where no play is taking place in midfield. Both teams have not really tinkered with their initial approach but the formations are allowing the two sides to enjoy plenty of possession.
Just the 10 minutes to go in this first half. I can't see the deadlock being broken before the break. Famous last words and all that. We need more chances in this game.
West Ham win a free kick on the right flank and Cresswell takes responsibility to whip in an inswinging cross. However, it's too close to Cech, who is able to claw the ball away from danger.
There's a small stoppage in play due to a Giroud overhead kick hitting Cresswell in the face. It looked a sore one but the defender is soon back to his feet.
BOOKING! The first booking of the game goes to Lanzini, who commits a cynical foul to prevent Wilshere from running forward from the halfway line.
Arsenal manage to win a corner on the right after Cresswell needlessly gives way possession. Moyes will be fuming if a goal comes from this.
The ball into the area causes trouble for the home side but Sanchez's eventual shot is well blocked by Reid. Moments later, Xhaka fizzed a 30-yard strike wide of the target.
There will be one minute of added-on time.
HALF TIME: West Ham United 0-0 Arsenal
The half-time whistle goes at the London Stadium and it comes as no surprise that we remain goalless. Both teams have had the odd chance here and there but for much of the opening 45 minutes, it's been hard going. Let's hope for an improvement in the second half.
West Ham thought they had opened the scoring during the early stages when Arnautovic powered a header into the corner, leaving Cech with no chance. However, the Austrian international was just offside. It was no more than half a yard but the correct decision by the referee.
Arsenal's best chance came through Iwobi after he had collected a pass from Sanchez. The attacking midfielder's effort from 10 yards beat Adrian but the ball ricocheted off the post and away from danger.
With the ways things are, you would not expect Moyes to make any alterations and if the goal doesn't come, it will be up to Wenger to try to change the course of this match. Welbeck and Lacazette are the obvious candidates to be introduced, but don't be surprised to see Kolasinac come on down the left.
The two teams are now making their way back out. It doesn't look like any changes have been made.
KICKOFF! West Ham get us back underway.
The rain is coming down hard at the London Stadium. I think that is only going to help Arsenal zip the ball about. West Ham are sitting deep in these early stages.
SHOT! Bellerin tries his luck from 30 yards but even with the rain, the ball trickles wide of Adrian's post.
SHOT! This has been a poor start to the second half from West Ham. They are just inviting pressure. Xhaka is the next player to get an effort on goal but Adrian's handling stands up to his long-range strike.
West Ham have been better over the past couple of minutes but it looks like they are trying to defend a lead, rather than the scoreline remaining goalless.
CHANCE! Giroud finally benefits from a cross but sees his header deflected wide for a corner, which comes to nothing. Moyes or his players need to change something because they won't gain a positive result playing like this.
Ozil and Sanchez are coming into their own. Cross after cross is being sent into the West Ham area, either on the floor or in the air. A goal is imminent.
CHANCE! The opening goal should have been scored here. The ball fell invitingly for Ozil from around 12 yards out but he prodded his shot well wide of the post. Big chance.
The scary thing for West Ham is that Arsenal still have Welbeck and Lacazette in reserve. The home side are still showing a lack of desire to move forward in numbers.
Half a chance for Arnautovic who gets between two defenders to meet a cross from Antonio, but he can't direct his header on goal.
That sustained spell of pressure from Arsenal has come to an end, much to the relief of the home side. Moyes now needs to decide how to approach the rest of this match because I'm not sure that they will be able to keep out Arsenal over a similar period again.
Slowly but surely, Arsenal are upping the tempo again as the rain continues to come down. It's your perfect setting for an evening match in December, but we are just lacking goals.
This is almost brilliant from Noble. The midfielder runs towards the penalty area before seeing his flicked pass headed back into his path by Arnautovic. However, a defender gets across to ease out the club captain.
Still no changes from either side. Both managers are either engrossed in this game or they are fearful of tinkering with their setups. It surely can't be long though.
CHANCE! Big chance for Arsenal. A cross from Maitland-Niles finds Giroud, and the forward is able to nod the ball down for Wilshere. However, under pressure from a defender, Wilshere blazes over from close range.
SUBSTITUTION! Wenger finally makes an alteration, with Welbeck being introduced for Iwobi.
A foul on Wilshere - the increasingly-involved Wilshere - leads to Arsenal being given a free kick around 30 yards from goal. It may just be too far out for Ozil and Sanchez but let's see.
SHOT! It's not too far out for Sanchez, who curls a delightful shot towards the left of Adrian. However, the goalkeeper gets across to punch the ball clear.
Just a quarter of an hour to go and Arsenal continue to toil away. West Ham have barely touched the ball in the last few minutes. Still no sign of changes from Moyes.
Some of these Hammers players are starting to lag. Moyes doesn't necessarily have the best options on the bench but he needs to freshen this up. Antonio is almost out on his feet.
This is effectively a game of attack versus defence. It's going to take some effort from West Ham to see this out. Arsenal are all over them.
Antonio is coming off in a minute but the winger does well to get a cross into the box with his left foot. However, with only Arnautovic to aim at, Cech is able to come and claim.
SUBSTITUTION! Here comes the change with Hernandez replacing the exhausted winger. Antonio always puts in a shift and tonight has been no different.
SUBSTITUTION! Bit of a surprise here. Sanchez is being withdrawn for Lacazette.
Xhaka has just struck a trademark long-range effort towards goal and it has hit Giroud in the thigh. Ouch! The attack eventually comes to nothing. Five minutes plus added-on time for West Ham to hold out.
Arsenal are doing a good job of moving West Ham from side to side, taking further energy out of their legs, but they can't get the ball far enough forward to get another shot way.
Arnautovic has been excellent tonight, even since being switched to the right wing. He has just taken on two players and managed to earn a corner for his side. Valuable seconds being eaten up.
WOODWORK! Oh my word. West Ham nearly win it! Noble plays a clever ball through to Hernandez and his first-time strike towards the top corner appears to be destined for the net. However, his effort hits the underside of the crossbar and goes wide. Unbelievable.
There will be two minutes of added-on time.
Reid fouls Welbeck on the edge of the box. This will be the last action of the match. Can Arsenal win this in the most dramatic of styles? No, the ball hits the wall and goes off target.
FULL TIME: West Ham United 0-0 Arsenal
The full-time whistle goes at the London Stadium and both teams are forced to accept a share of the spoils. Arsenal will be desperately disappointed having not turned possession into goals, while Moyes will have mixed feelings after seeing Hernandez comes within inches of a dramatic winner. Arsenal now sit in seventh position while West Ham remain in 19th place.
That will be all from Sports Mole for this match. Thank you for joining us this evening and we hope to see you again soon.
If you would like to read our on-the-whistle match report, you can do so by clicking here. Goodbye for now.
Written by
Darren Plant
Darren Plant
