COUFAL SENT OFF IN ARSENAL WIN

Czech Republic right-back Vladimir Coufalsaw red for West Ham United as they went down to a London Derby defeat at the hands of hosts Arsenal in the Premier League. The West Ham right-back was sent off midway into the second half after two yellow cards and his exit put an end to hopes of getting something out of the game for his team.

Arsenal had the better of the first half and they came closest to scoring when Scottish left-back Kieran Tierney hit the post with a long range shot that was saved by Hammers goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski. West Ham United were fortunate to go into the break on level terms and it took the Gunners just three second half minutes to break the deadlock thanks to the in-form Gabriel Martinelli who received a pass from Alexandre Lacazette before driving into the Hammers box and unleashing a curling shot into the back of the net afterwards. It was no more than Arsenal deserve as they had been the better side clearly since the start of the game.

Czech Republic player Coufal had received a yellow card for a foul on Tierney in the first half and he was given his marching orders midway into the second half after a second yellow card for going over the top of the ball during a challenge with Frenchman Lacazette. In addition to receiving a second yellow card, the Czech Republic senior national team defender also gave away a penalty which was saved from Lacazette by West Ham United goalkeeperLukasz Fabianski.

England international Emile Smith-Rowe came off the bench was his first appearance since he picked up an injury over a week ago and he settled the game with a second Arsenal goal three minutes from time.

The second half goals from Martinelli and Smith-Rowe ensured that the Gunners sealed a 2-0 home win over the Hammers and also leapfrogged them into fourth spot on the league table.