Arsenal draw a blank against Hammers
Abou Diaby was stretchered off late on
Also In The News
|
World number one Rafael Nadal has set up a mouth-watering clash with number two Roger Federer after an amazing Australian Open semi-final victory. |  |
Saturday, 31, Jan 2009 08:57
Arsenal's hopes of a Champions League place have been dented after a 0-0 draw with West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.
In the absence of Robin Van Persie, who was dropped to the bench, the Gunners created few chances to test Robert Green.
Their best chance fell to Abou Diaby early on with his header deflected onto the bar by James Collins. The midfielder then picked up his fifth booking of the season after tripping Valon Behrami, which could see him miss the derby with Tottenham Hotspur through suspension.
Arsene Wenger brought on another attacker at the end of the half with Carlos Vela replacing Emmanuel Eboue, who hobbled off after a crunching tackle from Scott Parker.
Gianfranco Zola's men created their first chance on the stroke of half-time with Gael Clichy clearing Collins' header off the line.
Collins continued to be in the thick of the action after the break with another goal-line clearance to keep out Kolo Toure's hooked shot.
The Gunners should have broken the deadlock on the hour-mark but Emmanuel Adebayor poked his shot wide with the goal at his mercy.
Wenger brought on top-scorer Van Persie for the closing stages while the Hammers put on record signing Savio Nsereko.
But the changes failed to bring a goal with the Gunners failing to find the killer instinct in front of goal, as they miss the chance to capitalise on Aston Villa's draw with Wigan Athletic.