West Ham 2-2 Arsenal: 3 talking points as Gunners crumble again

For the second time in two weeks, Arsenal were pegged back after racing into a commanding 2-0 lead as West Ham secured a vital point, all while handing Manchester City the advantage in the title race.

Mikel Arteta was forced to make a change from the side that drew 2-2 with Liverpool as Kieran Tierney came in for Oleksandr Zinchenko, who missed out with a tight groin.

It took Arsenal less than seven minutes to take the lead. After some neat build-up play, Martin Odegaard found Ben White, whose cross found Gabriel Jesus at the back post for a simple tap-in.

It took less than two minutes for Arsenal to double their lead. Gabriel Martinelli lofted a delightful ball to the back post, and Odegaard took his shot first time and side-footed past Lukasz Fabianski.

West Ham, out of nothing, got the chance to eat into the Gunners’ lead after Gabriel brought down Lucas Paqueta in the area. Said Benrahma stepped up, and slotted home.

Just minutes into the second half, Arsenal was given a penalty after Michail Antonio handballed in the area. Bukayo Saka stepped up but put his effort wide as West Ham dodged a bullet.

The penalty miss was costly as just minutes later, Jared Bowen equalised for the Hammers with a fine finish.

Arsenal couldn’t find the winner as they had to settle for a point after being pegged back from 2-0 up for the second time in two weeks.

West Ham 2-2 Arsenal: 3 talking points as Gunners crumble again

The game provided plenty of talking points; here they are.

1. Advantage City in title race

It could prove to be a pivotal two weeks in the title race, as Arsenal have just two points to show after being up 2-0 in back-to-back games.

With City continuing on their rampaging ways, the Gunners could ill-afford any slip-ups, and in two weeks, they have slipped up twice.

The title race isn’t over, but it definitely feels like advantage City now.

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