How Arsenal came from behind to beat West Ham 3-1 thanks to goals from Saka, Martinelli and Nketiah

Ali Humayun

December 26, 2022 at 6:08 PM EST

Arsenal showcased their title credentials with a spirited second-half comeback against West Ham that helped them move seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table following the World Cup break.

In the first half, Arsenal dominated possession but West Ham took the lead against the run of play through a Said Benrahma penalty.

An emphatic display after the break, however, saw Mikel Arteta’s side canter to victory with three goals in the space of 15 minutes.

Bukayo Saka converted from close range after collecting Martin Odegaard’s mis-hit shot, before Gabriel Martinelli finished from a tight angle to put the north London club ahead.

Eddie Nketiah sealed the victory after swivelling past Thilo Kehrer in the West Ham box before firing into the bottom corner.

Arsenal are top of the Premier League table with their next game against Brighton and Hove Albion on December 31.

Meanwhile, West Ham are a point above the relegation places in 16th position with their next fixture against Brentford.

(Photo: Getty Images)

December 26, 2022 at 6:08 PM EST

Good night!

Thank you for joining us for an action-packed day of football.

December 26, 2022 at 5:55 PM EST

Eddie Nketiah on role at Arsenal: ‘I’m not here to replace Gabriel Jesus’

Eddie Nketiah believes he is at Arsenal to “be his own player” and not as a backup to Gabriel Jesus.

Nketiah, 23, scored Arsenal’s third goal in an impressive 3-1 victory against West Ham United at the Emirates on Boxing Day after coming into the starting line-up for the injured Gabriel Jesus.

Speaking after the game, the England Under-21 international told reporters: “There’s pressure any time you play for Arsenal.

“I’m not here to replace him (Jesus), I want to be my own player, but we all wish him well.”

GO FURTHER

Eddie Nketiah on role at Arsenal: ‘I’m not here to replace Gabriel Jesus’

December 26, 2022 at 5:48 PM EST

Moyes concedes West Ham were lucky to take the lead

The West Ham manager told reporters after the match: “Arsenal played really well. We were 1-0 up at half-time and fortunate to be. We defended well and in the end the goals we conceded were incredibly disappointing. You cannot fault Arsenal, they played well.

“We were on the break and Said Benrahma underhits a pass to Declan Rice. We turned the ball ourselves and Martin Odegaard should not have had the chance to get the shot away. That goal gave them a lift.”

December 26, 2022 at 5:18 PM EST

We know how important today was – Saka

Speaking after the game, the Arsenal forward told Amazon Prime Video: “The second half was much better than the first, the first game back you are getting into your rhythm. We had a lot of possession in the first half but then we were more effective.

“We all know how important today was and we are all focused on the same objective: winning every game.

“The home fans gave us everything we needed and we delivered.”

December 26, 2022 at 5:15 PM EST

Arsenal’s run continues

The north London club have won their last 10 Premier League home fixtures, equalling their longest streak since Arsene Wenger retired as manager.

December 26, 2022 at 5:01 PM EST

FULL-TIME: Arsenal 3-1 West Ham

Arteta’s side pass another crucial test and are straight back into their stride.

Having gone behind in the first half, they demonstrated their title credentials with an emphatic second-half performance to seal the three points.

For West Ham, the concerns continue as they are just a point above the relegation zone.

December 26, 2022 at 4:47 PM EST

Odegaard dictating play

82′ Arsenal 3-1 West Ham

Martin Odegaard really deserves a goal tonight. He’s had two assists and almost adds his name to the scoresheet.

The Norway international pickpockets Benrahma on the edge of the West Ham area, cuts inside and waits before attempting to curl one into the top corner.

His effort, however, is well wide of the post.

December 26, 2022 at 4:43 PM EST

West Ham substitution

78′ Arsenal 3-1 West Ham

Fornals comes on for Soucek, who has worked hard off the ball but struggled to make an impact on it.

December 26, 2022 at 4:41 PM EST

A goal made in Leeds?

White and Nketiah both spent time at Leeds under Marcelo Bielsa, and the flowing move that led to Arsenal’s third goal was one even the Argentine manager would be proud of.

December 26, 2022 at 4:35 PM EST

GOAL! Arsenal extend their lead

68′ Arsenal 3-1 West Ham

A lovely team goal from Arsenal.

A brilliant touch from Ben White beats Antonio and he spreads it forward to Odegaard, who then lays it off to Nketiah in front of him.

The striker turns Kehrer before finishing off a sumptuous team move with a composed finish.

It is some validation for Nketiah, who is standing in for the injured Jesus tonight.

December 26, 2022 at 4:30 PM EST

Audacious effort from Kehrer

66′ Arsenal 2-1 West Ham

The West Ham defender lets fly from distance, but his effort sails high and wide.

December 26, 2022 at 4:28 PM EST

Arsenal’s starboys working their magic

Everything seems to go through Saka and Martinelli at the moment.

For the second goal, it was brilliant work from both of them yet again.

Saka outmuscled Rice in the middle of the park, before laying it off to Xhaka.

The Switzerland international found Martinelli on the left of the area, who then shifted the ball on his left before shooting low and hard inside the near post.

And West Ham have been on the ropes since the goal.

December 26, 2022 at 4:24 PM EST

‘One Arsene Wenger’ rings around Emirates

As the hour-mark approaches, the crowd erupts into chants of their former manager — who is in attendance tonight.

He duly responds with a wave.

December 26, 2022 at 4:22 PM EST

GOAL! Arsenal take the lead

58′ Arsenal 2-1 West Ham

A cheeky finish from Martinelli inside the area catches out Fabianski and Arteta’s side are in the lead!

December 26, 2022 at 4:21 PM EST

Emirates crowd engaged

Chants of ‘Arsenal’ ring around the Emirates as the crowd are urging their side back into this.

It has been all Arsenal since the break as they continue to probe for another goal.

December 26, 2022 at 4:18 PM EST

GOAL! Arsenal equalise

53′ Arsenal 1-1 West Ham

Not at all what was intended but Arsenal are back in this! A mis-hit shot from Odegaard lands at the feet of Saka.

The England international take a lovely touch to take him towards goal before slotting a composed finish past Fabianski.

December 26, 2022 at 4:12 PM EST

Corner for Arsenal

47′ Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

Partey curls a shot towards the bottom right-hand corner but Fabianski is equal to it, although it appears to be going wide.

Saka’s subsequent corner comes to nothing as the referee blows for a foul in the box on a West Ham player.

December 26, 2022 at 4:10 PM EST

Second half underway

45 minutes for Arsenal to turn this around but West Ham will believe this is for the taking.

December 26, 2022 at 4:03 PM EST

Can Arsenal make a comeback?

It is only the third time this season that the league leaders have gone behind this season, with the other two coming against Fulham — where they ended up winning 2-1 — and during a 3-1 loss to Manchester United.

December 26, 2022 at 4:00 PM EST

HALF-TIME Arsenal 0-1 West Ham

The west London club lead courtesy of a Benhrama penalty, with Arteta’s side being denied one before the break.