Hammers capitalise on rub of the Green

The Hammers are still 19th and four of their last six games are against top six sides Chelsea, Bolton, Everton and Manchester United.

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It is hard to imagine any of them, or even relegation rivals Wigan and Sheffield United, being as profligate as Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger's team had twothirds of the possession, 29 efforts at goal and 14 corners but some of their finishing was plain awful and goalkeeper Robert Green was inspired. Not for the first time this season, the Gunners emphasised the fine line between beautiful football and over-elaboration.

Bobby Zamora stunned Arsenal on the break with a superb finish in first-half stoppage time.

Wenger's men must now be seriously concerned at losing the last Champions League place to resurgent Bolton after three straight Premiership defeats ahead of today's trip to Newcastle.

"We've only had one shot," sang jubilant visiting fans, who might fancy their chances of avoiding relegation if they played Arsenal every week.

They have now won the last three meetings as well as their last three Premiership games.

Green said: "To come and win at the Emirates - the first team to win here as well as the last team to win at Highbury - makes it a pleasing day for us. But the work is not done.

"Next weekend's game at Sheffield United is just as important as this. It's a huge game. It may not be the prettiest at times but it will be a hell of a game."

Green saved in the first minute from Cesc Fabregas and in the 93rd from Jeremie Aliadiere. In between he made a dozen more stops, including superb reflex saves to deny Gilberto and Emmanuel Adebayor from close range.

When he was beaten, he was helped out by the woodwork as Fabregas rattled the bar from 25 yards and Gilberto's toe-poke five minutes from time bounced off the foot of the post.

'Green had the game of his life'

It was all a bit of a blur for the West Ham keeper, who received a rapturous ovation from his own fans and generous applause from the sprinkling of Arsenal fans still in the stands as he left the pitch.

"There was a lot of work for me but the game goes so quickly I don't recall much from it," said Green. "I know we played well but, honestly, I couldn't pull anything out individually.

"You work hard all year and some days it comes off and some days it doesn't. Last week against Middlesbrough I didn't have a save to make."

Green's defenders also hurled their bodies in front of shots to protect the lead and opposite number Jens Lehmann watched in disbelief as Arsenal failed to make their superiority count, not for the first time this season.

"Robert Green had the game of his life," said Lehmann, who has yet to agree a new deal and hinted he may be ready for a final move at the age of 37.

Asked if he expected to be at Arsenal next season, the German replied: "We will see. It's a tough decision I have to make. Physically I could play for another five years, so that shouldn't be a problem."

Although Lehmann was virtually a spectator, Alan Curbishley deserves credit for reorganising West Ham as they wobbled under a frenzied opening from Arsenal.

The mobility of Wenger's team overwhelmed the Hammers until Carlos Tevez was pushed to the right of a five-man midfield to deny them space.

The tactic helped frustrate Arsenal as Zamora's winner came when William Gallas surged out of central defence with the ball, searching for something different.

He carried it to the West Ham penalty area but lost possession and was way out of position when Lucas Neill swept a long pass for Zamora to outstrip Kolo Toure and lob Lehmann.

Zamora is unable to train because of the knee injury that forced him off in the second half but his presence will be crucial in the next six games.

With no game today he can rest until Saturday's match at Bramall Lane. A win will move West Ham above the sinking Blades.