Arsenal picks up where it left off before the World Cup break!
With the return of Arsène Wenger (73), the Premier League leaders turned a 1-0 deficit against West Ham United into a 3-1 win after the break on Boxing Day.
Arsenal’s coaching legend was back at his Gunners’ stadium in the stands for the first time on Monday night at the invitation of the club’s board of directors – four and a half years after his 22-year tenure ended in June 2018.
And the team of coach Mikel Arteta (40) is really strong!
5 minutes: Saka lets the ball through for Nketiah, who passes it in the middle to Saka. The Englishman then hits the supposed 1-0. But Saka was slightly on the ball with the heel of Odegaard’s pass, which meant Nketiah was ruled offside – the goal doesn’t count.
Even after the offside hit, it’s still a game to a goal, Arsenal dominate the game. But the hit suddenly falls on the other side.
Arsenal’s Saliba straddles Bowen’s path in the penalty area, causing him to fall. Referee Michael Oliver points straight to the point and gives a penalty. Benrahma grabs the ball and hits the goal in the middle – the 1:0 (27th) out of nowhere.
Shortly before the break, there was another commotion in the Hammers’ penalty area: Referee Oliver decides on a hand penalty for Arsenal, but quickly withdraws his decision after a VAR notice. Because Creswell had cleared an Odegaard shot with his head.
This is how world champions celebrate! Hot Christmas dance for Messi
After the break, the Gunners turned up the heat – much to Wenger’s delight!
53 minutes: Odegaard’s shot attempt becomes an involuntary assist for Saka, who keeps his nerve in front of the goal against Fabianski and inserts the bottom left – the 1-1.
Just six minutes later, Martinelli shakes the stadium. Via Saka, Ödegaard and Xhaka, the ball comes to the Brazilian, who hits the near corner from a tight angle and makes West Ham keeper Fabianski look really bad – 2-1 (59 ‘).
69 minutes: The strong Odegaard passes on to Nketiah, who turns around Kehrer and scores the 3:1 with a right from eight meters into the far corner – the decision!
The win sees Arsenal extend their lead at the top of the table. The Gunners are seven points clear of Newcastle with a game to go. Manchester City, who only have to play at Leeds United on Wednesday (9 p.m.), are currently eight points ahead.