Arsenal is not budging in the Premier League. The Gunners fell behind against West Ham, but put things in order after the break. Arsenal now has seven points more than first pursuer Newcastle (which has played one game more) and eight on Manchester City (which will play on Wednesday).
Arsenal had entered the World Cup break as a proud leader in the Premier League and wanted to maintain that position after the World Cup in Qatar. With West Ham, it faced an opponent that should not be underestimated. The Hammers have always played for the European tickets in recent years, but this season it is less so. However, David Moyes’ troops wanted to regain their place in the sub-top as soon as possible, so points had to be scored against Arsenal.
Arsenal dominated the first half. The Gunners dominated possession, but that did not result in any real great opportunities. West Ham kept quiet and preyed on the counter. On one of those counters, Bowen suddenly went flat in the penalty area after a light contact. The referee did not hesitate and put the ball on the spot. Benrahma put himself behind the ball and shot straight through: 0-1.
Arsenal was upset for a while, but then went full in search of the equalizer. On the stroke of half time there was some commotion at the Gunners. Arsenal screamed for a penalty after a bang landed on the hands of a West Ham defender. The VAR called the referee to the screen, but he ruled that it was not a penalty kick. And there was something to be said for that.
Up and over
After the break, Arsenal continued on that momentum. A bad shot from Odegaard ended up right at Saka’s feet, and he couldn’t miss: 1-1. Arsenal smelled blood and shifted up a gear. Xhaka found Martinelli in the penalty area and that outwitted goalkeeper Fabianski in the short corner. A sledgehammer blow for West Ham, who saw a lead turn into a deficit in just a few minutes.
Twenty minutes before the end, Nketiah put the game in a decisive prey. The striker cleverly turned away from his closest attacker and shot the ball unstoppably into the far corner. A great goal from the young striker. After that, Arsenal played the game quietly. It is now seven points ahead of Newcastle, and eight ahead of Manchester City.
