Arsenal Bounce Back To Defeat West Ham 3-1

Arsenal bounced back to defeat West Ham United 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day to resume their Premier League campaign on a high note.

Recall that Arsenal went into the 2022 FIFA World Cup break as leaders of the Premier League table. With their win over their visitors, their 7 points gap from second-placed Newcastle United is still intact.

During the game, West Ham United took the lead as early as the 27th minute thanks to a goal from the penalty spot by Saïd Benrahma.

The lead lasted throughout the first half. It was until the 53rd minute before Bukayo Saka scored the equalizer.

Immediately after Saka got the equalizer, Arsenal grew in confidence and earned a deserved lead in the 58th minute thanks to Gabriel Martinelli’s strike.

Afterward, the game dragged on until the 69th minute before Arsenal made it impossible for West Ham to continue fighting back thanks to Eddie Nketiah’s strike.

Along with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli is one of Arsenal’s top three goal-scorers in the Premier League this year.

With the 3-1 victory over West Ham United, Arsenal have increased their lead over Newcastle, who moved up to second after defeating Leicester earlier on Monday.

Manchester City, the defending champions, are currently eight points behind the Gunners and will go to Leeds United on Wednesday to resume their title challenge.

After suffering their fourth straight league loss, West Ham is now in 16th place, only one point above the relegation zone.