Arteta insists potential new Arsenal striker needs to be the right fit
Arsenal moved seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table after goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah completed a second-half comeback against West Ham.
The Premier League leaders were missing the injured Gabriel Jesus for the first time this season and trailed at half time after Said Benrahma converted a first-half penalty.
But in the absence of Jesus, Arsenal’s other forwards stepped up when Saka and Martinelli scored in the space of five minutes to flip the Boxing Day fixture on its head, with Nketiah adding a third with a brilliant turn and finish shortly afterwards.
The win was Arsenal’s fourth in a row, moving them seven points clear of Newcastle and eight ahead of Manchester City, and came as former manager Arsene Wenger returned to the club for the first time since his exit in 2018.
Follow all the reaction from the final Premier League outing on Boxing Day below
Arsenal vs West Ham
Arsenal move seven points clear as Eddie Nketiah caps comeback win against West Ham
The hosts dominated possession in the first half but were frustrated as Said Benrahma’s spot-kick was the only goal at the break.
Nketiah’s goal in the 69th minute ensured the Gunners secured all three points and equalled their longest-ever Premier League home winning streak with their 10th straight victory at the Emirates.
Michael Jones26 December 2022 22:28
FT Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
Today was the second time Arsenal’s Martin Ødegaard has provided two assists in a single Premier League game, with the previous occasion also coming on Boxing Day, last season against Norwich.
(Action Images via Reuters)
Michael Jones26 December 2022 22:24
FT Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
Eddie Nketiah has scored 11 goals in his last 11 starts for Arsenal in all competitions at the Emirates, notching his 11 goals from just 16 shots on target.
(Getty Images)
Michael Jones26 December 2022 22:20
Jurgen Klopp wants Liverpool to be ‘pain in the backside’ for top-four rivals
Ollie Watkins pulled one back after the break but Villa missed a hatful of chances – with Watkins and Leon Bailey guilty.
Liverpool remain sixth in the Premier League but closed the gap on Tottenham in fourth to five points and Klopp knows what they must do.
Michael Jones26 December 2022 22:16
FT Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
Bukayo Saka (2020, 2021 & 2022) is the first Arsenal player to score in three successive Boxing Day matches since Thierry Henry (2002, 2003 & 2004).
(REUTERS)
Michael Jones26 December 2022 22:12
Stefan Bajcetic’s first Liverpool goal wraps up Boxing Day victory at Aston Villa
In a meeting of monarchs, Liverpool’s Egyptian King now sits alongside King Kenny. For Mohamed Salah, 172 Liverpool goals means he has as many as the revered Kenny Dalglish, and in 238 fewer games.
For Liverpool, Salah’s landmark strike was accompanied by an assist to show that, like Dalglish before him, he is far more than simply a finisher. Virgil van Dijk was the beneficiary and, until Stefan Bajcetic made it a day of scorers old and new with his first Liverpool goal, the Dutchman also had to be at his most defiant to secure victory at Villa Park.
It was just Liverpool’s second on the road in the Premier League this season and, like November’s triumph at Tottenham, indicated that they have regained the ability to prevail when subjected to intense pressure.
Aston Villa’s first league defeat under Unai Emery was only inflicted after a frenzied effort, full of openings at either end, and with a performance to suggest the Spaniard’s debut win over Manchester United was no fluke.
Michael Jones26 December 2022 22:08
FT Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
Arsenal are striding forward in their quest to lift the Premier League trophy and their young players are leading the way.
(Getty Images)
(PA)
(Getty Images)
Michael Jones26 December 2022 22:04
Full-time: Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
90+4 mins: Arsenal had to fight and come from behind in order to see off West Ham but three second half goals from Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli and Eddie Nketiah sees them hold onto their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
They are now seven points clear of Newcastle in second place and eight ahead of Manchester City who face Leeds on Wednesday.
Michael Jones26 December 2022 22:00
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
90+3 mins: Save! Thomas Partey is too slow to react as Pablo Fornals receives the ball inside the Arsenal half. He shifts it onto his right foot and hits a powerful shot towards the far top corner.
Aaron Ramsdale sees it late but leaps across and palms the ball wide with a strong right hand!
Michael Jones26 December 2022 21:58
Arsenal 3-1 West Ham
90 mins: Gabriel Martinelli receives a very warm welcome as he heads off the pitch to be replaced by Fabio Vieira for the final few minutes.
There’s going to be four minutes of stoppage time added on.
Michael Jones26 December 2022 21:54