The timeline of the Arsenal F.C. vs West Ham rivalry is well documented and full of drama.
The rivalry between Arsenal and West Ham United is deeply rooted in London football history. The first competitive meeting dates back to the 1905–06 FA Cup, when Woolwich Arsenal drew 1–1 before winning the replay.
Over time, as Arsenal relocated to North London and West Ham remained in the East End, this fixture developed into a notable London derby, even if it is less intense than some other rivalries in the capital.
Throughout the 20th century, the two clubs met regularly in league matches, FA Cup ties, and other domestic competitions. Arsenal, being one of England’s most successful clubs, generally held the upper hand, but West Ham had their moments, particularly in knockout competitions.
One of the most iconic matches in their shared history was the 1980 FA Cup Final, in which West Ham defeated Arsenal 1–0 at Wembley, thanks to a goal by Trevor Brooking. That win remains especially memorable, as West Ham were not considered a top-flight powerhouse at the time, making their FA Cup victory more remarkable.
Across all competitions, Arsenal have historically led the all-time head-to-head record against West Ham. The two teams have met over 150 times in competitive fixtures.
In those meetings, Arsenal have won approximately 74–75 times, West Ham have won 38 times, and around 41 matches have ended in draws. These numbers show a strong advantage for Arsenal, but they also indicate that West Ham have often been capable of producing surprises.
In the modern Premier League era, Arsenal’s dominance generally continued, but West Ham had their moments. Between February 2006 and November 2007, West Ham won three consecutive matches against Arsenal, including a notable victory at the Emirates Stadium.
The 1980 FA Cup Final remains a touchstone in the rivalry, with West Ham’s victory being one of their most celebrated achievements against Arsenal.
In recent seasons, the derby has produced striking results. On 11 February 2024, Arsenal defeated West Ham 6–0 at the London Stadium, one of their biggest wins in the fixture.
On 30 November 2024, Arsenal won 5–2 away at West Ham, in a highly entertaining match that highlighted attacking play from both sides.
On 22 February 2025, West Ham secured a 1–0 victory at the Emirates, marking a rare but significant win in a derby away fixture.
In the last several years, Arsenal have generally maintained a strong record against West Ham in the Premier League, winning the majority of matches while West Ham have occasionally broken through with key victories.
Matches between Arsenal and West Ham often feature a contrast in playing styles. Arsenal typically focus on possession-based, attacking football, while West Ham frequently rely on physicality, set-pieces, and counterattacks, making the derby both tactical and unpredictable.
The rivalry has also produced high-scoring matches. Many of the recent fixtures have seen over 2.5 goals, reflecting both sides’ attacking openness and willingness to take risks.
Milestone wins such as Arsenal’s 6–0 demolition in February 2024 and West Ham’s 1–0 victory at the Emirates in February 2025 highlight the rivalry’s dynamic nature and occasional upsets.
While Arsenal vs West Ham may not be the fiercest London derby compared to North London rivalries, it remains significant for fans. For West Ham supporters, beating Arsenal is a source of pride against one of the capital’s elite clubs. For Arsenal, maintaining dominance over the Hammers reinforces their standing in London football.
The rivalry also has historical weight, combining East End working-class pride with North London prestige. Over the decades, players have moved between clubs, cup upsets have left legacies, and dramatic league matches have shaped the narrative.
In recent seasons, Arsenal have typically held the upper hand, while West Ham have made themselves dangerous in knockout matches and select league games. Arsenal’s attack-heavy style has produced some dominant results, but West Ham’s resilience and ability to exploit mistakes keep the fixtures competitive.
Key storylines for the future include whether West Ham can secure more away wins at the Emirates, how Arsenal will balance attacking ambition with defensive stability, and which emerging talents or new signings will make an impact in the derby.
The Arsenal vs West Ham fixture is a long-running London derby with over a century of history. Arsenal clearly lead the all-time record and have enjoyed several big wins, but West Ham’s occasional shocks — including historic cup wins and recent league victories — ensure the rivalry remains competitive.
With frequent high-scoring games, historic milestones, and significant moments for both clubs, every Arsenal vs West Ham match continues to capture the attention of football fans and adds new chapters to this storied London rivalry.
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