Arsenal came back to beat West Ham United 3-1 at the Emirates stadium to extend their lead at the top of the table.
Action: Arsenal picked up where they left off before the World Cup break and dominated the London derby from minute one.
However, the Hammers always managed to keep their defence tight and organized in the first half.
With 27 minutes on the clock, the visitors took the lead after William Saliba failed to deal with a bouncing ball and then fouled Jarrod Bowen in the box.
From the penalty spot, Said Benrahma made no mistake and tucked home his spot kick.
In the second half, the Gunners reacted brilliantly and turned the game around. Just eight minutes into the second period, Martin Odegaard's poor attempted shot fell into the path of Bukayo Saka, who controlled perfectly before slotting past Lukas Fabianski.
And just five minutes later, Mikel Arteta's men went in front when Gabriel Martinellispotted a gap at Lukasz Fabianski’s near post, and fired his shot home.
The hosts put the game to bed through Eddie Nketiah, who brilliantly spun past Thilo Kehrer and then drove the ball low into the corner.
Big Picture: This win leaves Gunners seven points clear at the top of the table, while the Hammers remain fifth bottom.
Arsenal are next in action on December 31st when they travel to the south coast to take on Brighton, who knocked them out of the Carabao Cup in early November, while West Ham host Brentford the day before.
xG: Arsenal (2.06) 3-1 (1.04) West Ham
Stat of the Day: Eddie Nketiah has scored 11 goals in his last 11 starts for Arsenal in all competitions at the Emirates, notching his 11 goals from just 16 shots on target.
3-1 | ||
Bukayo Saka 53' Gabriel Martinelli 58' Eddie Nketiah 69' | Said Benrahma 27' (pen.) |
