Ryan Fredericks admitted he was ‘gutted’ that West Ham United were beaten at Arsenal, saying he feels the Irons made enough chances to win the game three times over.
A fantastic finish by Marko Arnautovic put the Hammers in control at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday but Nacho Monreal and Danny Welbeck scored for the Gunners, while Issa Diop also netted an unfortunate own-goal.
West Ham were fully in the match throughout the fixture and enjoyed a number of big chances, with Fredericks taking heart from the attacking display.
“We’re gutted with the result,” the right-back said. “There were large spells of the game that we dominated and we made a lot of chances. There were probably enough clear-cut chances to win three games.
“It’s encouraging, and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before those chances are put in the back of the net. Overall, we’re disappointed because it’s another loss.”
There were large spells of the game that we dominated and we made a lot of chances. There were probably enough clear-cut chances to win three games.
Ryan Fredericks
Despite the side conceding three goals Fredericks also felt there were significant portions where West Ham looked strong defensively.
He added: “I felt like it clicked for large parts of the game today, defensively. It wasn’t attempt after attempt for them. If we can limit a team like Arsenal to shots at the edge of the box, through cut-backs and wide positions, then we are going to keep a lot of clean sheets.”
The defender reserved praise for attacker Arnautovic, who scored his second goal of the season, but had to come off early in the second half due to a knock.
Fredericks would like to see other players in the team contributing goals, saying everyone wants to help the Austrian succeed.
“Marko is our focal point for most of our attacks, Fredericks continued. “He can occupy the centre-halves and if we can get the service to him he will score bags of goals, and that’s what we want him to do.
“But we don’t want him to do it on his own. Everyone else has to chip in with the goals and help feed him as well.”
Even though West Ham were on the receiving end of the loss, Fredericks is confident that it won’t take long for things to go right on the pitch for him and his teammates.
“Training has been as sharp as anything. That’s why we’re all encouraged. We’re going at it with confidence.
“Not a lot of team will come to the Emirates Stadium and make as many chances as we did. Obviously, we’re disappointed we didn’t get anything out of the game. It’s all well and good, having chances, but if we don’t hit the back of the net then it counts for nothing.
“The Bournemouth game wasn’t good enough, but anyone can go to Liverpool and lose. We’re getting better and I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before we’re picking up points.”