Arsenal triumphed 5-2 over West Ham United on Saturday evening in a thrilling London derby.
The Gunners were in control early, racing to a 4-0 lead by the 35-minute mark thanks to goals from Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Martin Ødegaard, and Kai Havertz. However, West Ham briefly sparked hope with quick goals from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson, halting the exodus of home fans. Bukayo Saka restored Arsenal’s advantage with a penalty just before the break, ensuring there would be no second-half fightback from West Ham.
Match Overview
Arsenal dominated possession, holding over 80% by the ten-minute mark, and soon took the lead in typical fashion. Saka’s corner found Gabriel, who nodded home and celebrated with a Viktor Gyokeres-inspired gesture.
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West Ham briefly threatened with a lob from Crysencio Summerville, but it was ruled offside after a VAR check. Arsenal continued to threaten, with Saka failing to convert from inside the box, and Lukasz Fabianski denying Jurrien Timber from a corner. But at 27 minutes, Trossard added a second, finishing off a neat Saka assist. Five minutes later, Saka was fouled by Lucas Paquetá in the box, and Ødegaard calmly converted the resulting penalty.
The second half started with another Arsenal goal. Trossard’s long ball sent Havertz through on goal, and the German slotted home with composure, making it 4-0. This prompted many West Ham fans to head for the exits, only for them to witness a brief rally. Wan-Bissaka scored for the hosts, and Emerson curled in a stunning free kick to make it 4-2, giving West Ham a glimmer of hope.
However, Arsenal responded with another penalty just before the break. Fabianski fouled Gabriel from a corner, and Saka converted his second penalty of the game to restore the Gunners’ three-goal advantage, ending a wild first half at 5-2.
The pace slowed after the break, with both teams less aggressive. Arsenal allowed West Ham some possession but neither side looked likely to add to the scoreline as the game wound down.