The Hammers played very well in the first half against the new second place team of the Premier League. After giving up a well struck 5th minute goal from the Gunner's Neves Denilson. After which the Irons rallied. The squads played even until a deep kick in the 44th minute came into West Ham's Guillermo Franco which resulted in Arsenal's Thomas Vermaelen to be sent off with a red card for his play against the striker.
The Penalty was taken by Alessandro Diamanti who shot a lower curving strike to the right corner of Manuel Alnunia's goal. Alumnia read Diamanti right and made an amazing save. Squashing the Hammer's hopes of equalizing before the half.
At the beginning of the second half the Hammers looked strong, passing well and looking for an opening in the Gunners side that was a man down. Then after about ten minutes of solid play, West Ham got too anxious and began to fall apart.
Once again the Hammers showed their ability to play with the best in the league, but only for a half.
West Ham saw a glimmer of hope when a strike from Carlton Cole came close following his substitution of Franco. But the ball skirted just outside of the post.
A late 83rd minute penalty inside the eighteen resulted in an Cesc Fabregas Penalty shot and goal. Eliminating all the hopes for West Ham.
