Arsenal climbed to second place in the Premier League following a spectacular first-half performance against West Ham United, securing a comprehensive 4-2 victory in a match that saw seven goals scored before halftime.
The Gunners took an early lead in the 10th minute when centre-back Gabriel capitalized on a Bukayo Saka corner, expertly flicking the ball home past West Ham’s defense. Arsenal’s dominance continued, with Leandro Trossard doubling the advantage in the 27th minute, again set up by Saka’s precise assist from Martin Odegaard’s delicate through ball.
A dramatic six-minute spell followed, with Odegaard converting a penalty after Saka was fouled by Lucas Paqueta. Kai Havertz then extended Arsenal’s lead to 4-0, capitalizing on a defensive error by West Ham’s Max Kilman.
West Ham responded quickly, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka scoring a near-post finish, followed by Emerson’s spectacular free-kick that crashed in off the crossbar to bring the score to 4-2.
Just before halftime, Saka restored Arsenal’s three-goal cushion with another penalty, this time after an incident involving goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski.
The second half proved goalless, with Arsenal comfortably managing their lead and securing an important away victory. The result moves Mikel Arteta’s side to within six points of league leaders Liverpool, while West Ham remain in 14th place, six points clear of the relegation zone.
Gabriel was particularly noteworthy, scoring his third Premier League goal of the season and demonstrating Arsenal’s strategic approach to set-pieces. However, the defender was substituted at halftime after a collision with Fabianski.
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui, watching from the stands due to a touchline ban, witnessed his team’s sixth defeat against top-eight opposition this season. Despite a brief moment of hope with a disallowed goal by Crysencio Summerville, the Hammers were ultimately outclassed.
The match concluded with Arsenal ending a four-game away league winless streak, delivering a statement performance that reinforces their title ambitions.
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