Latest sports scores at — http://sports.arabtimesonline.com Chelsea stumble in Hammers draw

Arsenal ride their luck as Lacazette gem sinks Everton

LONDON, Sept 23, (AFP): Chelsea dropped their first points of the season on Sunday as West Ham held Maurizio Sarri’s team to a 0-0 draw at the London Stadium.

Chelsea had won all five of their Premier League matches before the weekend, going toe to toe with Liverpool, who won again on Saturday to make it six wins out of six.

The visitors dominated possession at the home of their London rivals but failed to create many clear-cut chances and had to deal with West Ham’s constant threat on the break.

Olivier Giroud won his battle with Alvaro Morata for a starting spot up front for Chelsea, keeping his place for the second Premier League match in succession. But Marko Arnautovic, West Ham’s leading goalscorer this season, missed out after failing to recover from an injury he sustained against Everton last week.

Chelsea enjoyed more than 70 percent of possession in the first half but West Ham were dangerous when they were able to break out, Michail Antonio proving a real handful.

After a cagey opening spell, Chelsea established control but the home side could have taken a lead against the run of play just before the half hour.

Felipe Anderson was quick to seize on a loose ball and played in Antonio, who blasted over with his left foot.

Aubameyang Chelsea’s Brazilian midfielder Willian crosses the ball as West Ham United’s Brazilian midfielder Felipe Anderson closes in during the English Premier League football match between West Ham

United and Chelsea at The London Stadium in east London on Sept 23. (AFP)