James Ward-Prowse shares what Arsenal actually taught West Ham yesterday

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West Ham United midfielder James Ward-Prowse has now been reflecting on a woeful loss and performance against Arsenal yesterday.

David Moyes’ side produced arguably their worst performance of the season and were ruthlessly punished by Arsenal.

West Ham fans would have been forgiven for not believing they were watching the same team that had recently broken Mikel Arteta’s unbeaten run at the Emirates.

And although the personnel were slightly different on the day, Lucas Paqueta is a big loss, it doesn’t excuse such a performance.

Of course, in the absence of a few of the club’s offensive players, James Ward-Prowse was playing something akin to a number eight or 10. 

But it’s safe to say that the midfielder didn’t often receive the ball in attacking areas.

And following the game, Ward-Prowse thought it was important to learn from Arsenal’s preparation, which caused West Ham’s demise.

The England international said he can accept losing a football match, but simply can’t in that fashion.

And perhaps more worryingly for West Ham fans, their midfielder seemed to suggest the club hadn’t planned for the game sufficiently in comparison to Arsenal.

James Ward-Prowse suggests Arsenal were better prepared than West Ham yesterday

Speaking shortly after the game, Ward-Prowse said: “There’s now a good chance to show a reaction and show something rather than just saying a few words.

“We can all accept losing a game, that happens in football, but I think the way you lose is important and the most disappointing thing is the way we lost the game.

“I don’t feel like we competed anywhere near the level you need to in the Premier League.

“Of course, they’re a top team who are challenging for the title, but I think they showed us today the level and the detail that you need to win games.”

Of course, those are words that could easily be perceived as a slight dig towards West Ham’s coaching staff.

Ward-Prowse clearly feels as Arsenal were more focused on the vital details as opposed to West Ham, which stems from Mikel Arteta on the visitor’s side.

David Moyes was thought to be under pressure already given the club’s poor start to the calendar year – explaining why there’s now said to be interest in a ‘special’ young manager.

But perhaps right now West Ham are much better off focusing on their internal issues in order to produce a reaction at Nottingham Forest.