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THIS week’s Champions League semi-finals were a real spectacle for supporters.
Four West Ham players appeared to agree.
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Credit: Getty
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Credit: AFP
Observant fans likely noticed this group in the stands while Arsenal faced Paris Saint-Germain in the French capital, merely a day after Inter Milan overcame Barcelona with a thrilling 7-6 aggregate win.
It’s a familiar rationale among managers to blame exhausting midweek European excursions for lackluster performances in the Premier League that follow.
Nevertheless, with a testing domestic season for West Ham, their players felt no such pressure, while all eyes were on the Gunners, who were trailing 1-0 going into Wednesday’s second leg.
Among the stars from London Stadium were former England internationals: left-back Aaron Cresswell, 35, and striker Danny Ings, 32.
They were joined by ex-Wolves defender Max Kilman, 27.
Additionally, third-choice goalkeeper Wes Foderingham, 34, who has yet to make an appearance since joining West Ham last June, was also in attendance.
For much of the current season, European competition has not been a priority for the Hammers.
The club’s management parted ways with manager Julen Lopetegui in January following a dismal run in the league.
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His successor, Graham Potter, hasn’t had much success to any significant degree.
With only three matches left in the Premier League, West Ham currently finds itself in fourth place from the bottom, although they are secure from relegation.
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This is primarily due to the newly promoted teams of Ipswich, Leicester, and Southampton facing relegation.
The quartet from West Ham likely wore broad smiles at Parc des Princes as they watched the Gunners under pressure.
They casually made their way to their seats, seemingly going unnoticed by those nearby.
One reason for their visit became apparent early in the match.
West Ham icon Declan Rice was in the spotlight – the record £105 million signing for Arsenal missed a crucial header to equalize, sending it off target.
PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma soon made two remarkable saves.
However, Fabian Ruiz and Achraf Hakimi found the back of the net, putting PSG up 2-0 for the evening and 3-0 on aggregate.
Bukayo Saka’s late goal in the 76th minute was ultimately inconsequential.
Despite the drastic differences in fortunes for the Hammers and the Arsenal side they were observing, both teams must quickly regroup for important Premier League matches on Sunday.
West Ham is preparing to visit Manchester United, while second-place Arsenal will face newly crowned champions Liverpool.
Arsenal ratings v PSG
ARSENAL’S Champions League aspirations were shattered as they fell short against Paris Saint-Germain in their match.
The Gunners started strong, challenging Gianluigi Donnarumma right away, but it was soon evident that the night would not favor them. And that indeed was the case.
Despite their early assault, Arsenal found themselves behind due to a volley from Fabian Ruiz.
Achraf Hakimi added a devastating second shortly after David Raya had preserved Arsenal’s chances by saving a penalty from Vitinha.
Finally, Bukayo Saka, who had been kept at bay by Donnarumma all evening, found the net in the 76th minute, taking advantage of a deflected cross to round the goalkeeper and score.
With the gap narrowed, Saka then had a golden chance to equalize, being unmarked in front of an open goal.
However, the winger couldn’t keep the shot down, sending the ball soaring over the bar.
Ultimately, PSG maintained their advantage without further issues, earning a place in the Munich final against Inter Milan.
Here’s how SunSport’s Jordan Davies rated the Gunners in Paris.
