Arsenal stormed into second place in the English Premier League with a scintillating 5-2 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium, reigniting their title hopes.
Mikel Arteta’s side were rampant in the first half, netting five goals to move six points behind leaders Liverpool, who face Manchester City on Sunday. Gabriel Magalhães opened the scoring early, with Leandro Trossard doubling the lead. Martin Ødegaard’s penalty followed before Kai Havertz added his ninth goal of the season. Despite quick-fire goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson for West Ham, Bukayo Saka’s penalty capped a stellar performance for Arsenal.
This commanding win follows their 5-1 thrashing of Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League, providing further evidence of a revitalised Arsenal. After a difficult run of four league games without a win, the Gunners’ title challenge is back on track.
The return of captain Ødegaard, who missed 12 matches with an ankle injury, has played a key role in Arsenal’s recent resurgence, as they are now unbeaten in four games. With Manchester United set to visit the Emirates on Wednesday, Arsenal will aim to keep the momentum going.
Arteta’s men showed dominance in the first half, with some brilliant link-up play and a series of clinical finishes. A first-half penalty awarded after a challenge on Gabriel added to the drama, making it one of the highest-scoring first halves in Premier League history.
