Arsenal send out title warning with comeback victory over West Ham

Arsenal came from behind to defeat West Ham 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium

PREMIER LEAGUE Arsenal send out title warning with comeback victory over West Ham

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 22:46 - 26.12.2022

Arsenal produced a superb second-half display to put away a stubborn West Ham side and maintain their advantage at the top of the table

Second-half goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah canceled out an early Said Benrahma penalty for West Ham.

Arsenal vs West Ham first half

Arsenal thought they had the opening goal inside five minutes when Martin Odegaard, Saka, and Eddie Nketiah combined on a lovely passing sequence, but the goal was immediately ruled out for offside

It was West Ham who struck first from the penalty spot through Said Benrahma. William Saliba misjudged a ball forward and it landed at the feet of Jarrod Bowen who dribbled into the box and got the slightest of touches from a sliding Saliba.

Michael Oliver decided it was a penalty, and once it was given, it was never getting overturned. Up stepped Benrahma to put the Hammers in front.

Said Benrahma opening the scoring for West Ham against Arsenal
Said Benrahma opening the scoring for West Ham against Arsenal

Arsenal thought they had a penalty of their own right before halftime, but it was correctly overturned by VAR

Arsenal second-half comeback

The Gunners got their well-deserved equalizer shortly after halftime. Martin Odegaard hit what looked like a scuffed shot that put Bukayo Saka in, who calmly slipped it past a helpless Lukasz Fabiański.

Bukayo Saka scoring the equaliser for Arsenal against West Ham
Bukayo Saka scoring the equaliser for Arsenal against West Ham

Arsenal took the lead five minutes later. They worked the ball from right to left to find Granit Xhaka on the edge of the box. He passed down to Martinelli who shifted it from his right foot to his left and absolutely rifled a shot into the net.

Ten minutes after that, Eddie Nketiah made it three to Arsenal and that sealed the points on an impressive night for Mikel Arteta and his men.

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