On Boxing Day at the Emirates Stadium, Arsenal overcame adversity to defeat West Ham United 3-1 and start their Premier League campaign strong.
Recall that Arsenal led the Premier League standings heading into the 2022 FIFA World Cup break. With their victory over their opponents, they maintained their 7-point lead over second-place Newcastle United.
Sad Benrahma’s strike from the penalty spot gave West Ham United the lead in the match as early as the 27th minute.
After thereafter, the match dragged on until Eddie Nketiah’s goal for Arsenal in the 69th minute rendered West Ham’s attempt to mount a comeback impossible.
Gabriel Martinelli is one of Arsenal’s top three Premier League goal scorers this season, along with Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard.
Arsenal expanded their advantage above Newcastle, who moved up to second after defeating Leicester earlier on Monday, with the 3-1 victory over West Ham United.
The defending champions Manchester City, who are presently eight points behind the Gunners, will continue their championship defense on Wednesday when they go to Leeds United.
West Ham is currently in 16th place in the league, only one point above the relegation zone after suffering their fourth straight league defeat.
