Wenger: We had to raise our tempo

Results

Date	Time	C	Opponent	F	A	R	S
03 Jan	4:15 PM	FA	West Ham United (A)	2	1	Win

Manager Arsène Wenger admitted that his team had to raise their tempo to combat a committed and well organised West Ham United side.

The Hammers took the lead right on the stroke of half-time, but the Gunners pulled one back through midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who was voted Man of the Match by ex-Arsenal player John Hartson for ITV.

Striker Eduardo gave us the lead with a thumping header and could have had one more with an identical effort which went just wide of the top corner.

Arsenal, for the most part of the match, looked a shambles as they struggled to break down a determined West Ham side who eventually tired as the match went on and Wenger brought on powerhouse midfielder Abou Diaby for Fran Merida.

Samir Nasri was also introduced to aid the attack, with prodigy Jack Wilshere making way.

Wenger said: "It was a difficult first half against a committed West Ham side. They were well organised, they won many 50-50s, they were quick on the ball and we got caught on the break.

"In the second half we played at a higher tempo and our combinations were better. West Ham dropped a little bit and then we were able to make the difference in the final 20 minutes.

"For me the FA Cup matters, the team I picked today was because I wanted to win.

"But the problem we have is we played Sunday against Aston Villa, Wednesday against Portsmouth, today, on Wednesday against Bolton and on Saturday against Everton.

"We cannot play with the same 11 players. To win the FA Cup matters.

"Of course we want to win trophies. And on 3 January we are in a position where we can have hope.

"When you have two players of the calibre we brought on it helps but the two boys before, Jack Wilshere and Fran Merida, did fight very hard when West Ham were at the top of their game.

"We didn't find our fluency but when we increased our tempo it was a matter of time.

"The worst would have been a 1-1 but the 2-1 is OK."

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