West Ham 2 – 2 Arsenal

April 16, 2023 admin

Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead for the second league game in a row as their title chances took another hit in a 2-2 draw at West Ham.

The Premier League leaders got off to the perfect start as Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard put the Gunners two up after 10 minutes with clinical first-time finishes – but just like last week at Anfield, Mikel Arteta’s side gave their hosts the initiative by conceding just before half-time.

Said Benrahma pulled one back from the penalty spot after a Thomas Partey error led to Gabriel fouling Lucas Paqueta – yet Arsenal were awarded a spot kick themselves just after half-time after Michail Antonio’s handball.

But Bukayo Saka uncharacteristically put his effort wide – and West Ham equalised two minutes later through Jarrod Bowen’s smart finish.

Antonio hit the bar for the Hammers in the final 10 minutes but Arteta’s Arsenal will rue another two points dropped.

The result means Arsenal are four points above second-placed Manchester City having played a game more. City’s FA Cup semi-final next weekend means the Gunners can extend that gap to seven points if they beat Southampton on Friday Night Football.

After that, Arsenal travel to the Etihad Stadium to take on Pep Guardiola’s side in a crucial game for the title race.

More to follow…

Two minutes that decided the title race?

What’s next?

West Ham are back in action on Thursday when they face Gent at the London Stadium in the second leg of their Europa Conference League quarter-final; kick-off 8pm.

Their next Premier League clash is on Sunday April 23 at Bournemouth; kick-off 2pm.

Next up for Arsenal is a home clash at the Emirates Stadium against Southampton on Friday April 21, live on Sky Sports; kick-off 8pm.