Goals from both centre-halves gave us a battling, huge victory in the chase for Champions League qualification, and secured a top-six finish in the process.
Rob Holding’s first-ever Premier League goal gave us the lead in the first half, only for the hosts to cancel it out just before half-time.
But Gabriel’s header at the far post in the second half was enough to clinch all three points and keep us in fourth place.
After a fairly quiet opening half hour, in which neither goalkeeper was properly tested, it was Holding – in the side for the injured Ben White – who broke the deadlock.
Eddie Nketiah had earned a corner after a run and shot that Lukasz Fabianski got down well to turn wide. Bukayo Saka floated in a dangerous corner, and Holding rose highest to head in off the post.
It was his first-ever goal in the Premier League – on his 81st appearance – and it breathed life into a game that hadn’t really got going until then.
We failed to build on the lead though, and West Ham came roaring back.
Aaron Ramsdale immediately made a fine save to deny Declan Rice at the near post, but we could not hold out until half-time.
Vladimir Coufal was afforded time and space on the right flank to pick out Jarrod Bowen, who took a touch before firing past Ramsdale, via a slight deflection off Gabriel.
Early in the second half there was a real heart in mouth moment when Ramsdale came tearing out of his box to meet the ball ahead of Bowen. The West Ham man went tumbling, but the decision went our way, with Bowen booked for simulation.
Shortly afterwards we retook the lead. Another inswinging corner caused problems, the ball was half cleared to Gabriel Martinelli and he crossed for compatriot Gabriel to head in from close range.
As the game entered the final 20 minutes we had a glorious chance to score the third. Mohamed Elneny spotted Nketiah’s run from deep and released him with a long pass. The striker shifted it past Kurt Zouma, onto his right foot, but placed his shot just wide from 20 yards.
The hard-working Nketiah had another chance from similar range soon afterwards, but this time Fabianski got down to save well.
Sambi Lokonga blazed a shot over late on, but it didn’t matter. The work had been done, and victory was savoured at the end by the vociferous travelling fans.
European football for next season is assured – now to make sure it’s in the Champions League.
#arsenal
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Camisetas CROACIA Información de primera mano del primer equipo de fútbol del Barça. Noticias de Piqué, Ansu Fati, Pedri y todos tus jugadores favoritos.
Holding and Elneny always rise to the situation,both deserve more respect and recognition
Proud of Gabriel,his making milestones everyday
Holding and Elneny always rise to the situation,both deserve more respect and recognition
What a win!!!! Top 4 is so reachable now, great performance from everyone ? COYG
when we win the highlights come quick
At the start of the season I have prayed for Arsenal to finish in top 4 but people laugh at me at that time and now it's really happening congrats to all Arsenal fans out there
I love this new Nketiah??????
Saka 1st ????❤❤
It seems Holding and Gabriel returned from Turkey with their hairlines and goal scoring instincts intact. Holding in particular was outstanding. MTOM for sure
Saka has improved with his delivery into the box. Good stuff!
Saka has improved with his delivery into the box. Good stuff!
Elneny and Holding are brilliant squad players!!
I love football, but I'm sick of the World Cup. I don't even care about England. -Elton John
What a win this was. Those 3 games look so costly now. We would have been 3rd if we had won them
Daamn….am an arsenal fan but that west harm goal was lit ????
What have really liked about our team this season is that all players are on same page even players who havent played alot of games have taken their chances we're they get into the team forexample holding today, leno at villa park and Pepe at wolves. Am really proud of the boys❤ <== saya setuju 🙂
after the comeback we’ve had at the beginning of the season i will never doubt arteta again. coyg!!!
I'm out of words
VCC
What people dont realise is that, Both these goals were hair transplant goals….hahaaa
Saka with the assist
Tavares must be dropped. I don't care if you bring on Leno to play in left back. You can watch highlights from the Chelsea game, Man U game, Westham game, you will see how many time he could cost us goal. He might have some potential, but not now please.
Great win lads, top four incoming!
What have really liked about our team this season is that all players are on same page even players who havent played alot of games have taken their chances we're they get into the team forexample holding today, leno at villa park and Pepe at wolves. Am really proud of the boys❤
Жонм сонго булсин фидо узимнинг Арсеналим
Weldone my club
Well done, FABIANSKY
Arsenal is back!!
Bring Divock Origi to Arsenal
Plz buy Osimhen from Napoli Please.
How well did Eddie play!! Can't when the last time we saw our striker taking the full defense on head to head and getting the shot away. He was so threatening! A joy to watch.
3 gol.. dr corner smua
Tomiyasu make hoki?
Pls don't finish top 4