Arsenal delivered a stunning 5-2 victory over West Ham United in Saturday’s Premier League derby, with all seven goals remarkably scored in a jaw-dropping first half at the London Stadium.
The Gunners set the tone early, with Gabriel’s signature header in the 9th minute opening the floodgates.
Leandro Trossard doubled the lead in the 26th minute, followed by Martin Odegaard’s clinical penalty and Kai Havertz’s composed finish in quick succession, prompting some West Ham fans to leave before halftime.
West Ham briefly fought back with Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s sliding effort and a spectacular free kick by Emerson, offering a glimmer of hope.
However, Arsenal regained control in first-half stoppage time when Bukayo Saka calmly converted their second penalty of the match.
The second half lacked the fireworks of the first, as Arsenal comfortably saw out the game to climb to second place in the Premier League table with 25 points, six behind leaders Liverpool.
Liverpool will host a struggling Manchester City on Sunday in what promises to be another crucial clash.