Arsenal maintain their stranglehold on the Premier League

One of the major stories in European football heading into the World Cup was the return of Arsenal as a major player in the Premier League. They headed into the winter break as the division’s leaders, five points clear of reigning champions Manchester City and as such, top of the table at Christmas for the first time in 15 years. However, oddschecker, which compares Premier League odds and offers, still makes Pep Guardiola’s Blues the favourites in this season’s title race. Should the Etihad club manage to overthrow the Gunners at the division’s summit, it would be their fifth success in six seasons. 

The Premier League got back underway on Boxing Day, and with City breathing down Arsenal’s necks, all eyes were on the Emirates Stadium to see how the hosts would cope with the pressure. Earlier in the day, a second-half double salvo from Harry Kane and Pierre-Emile Højbjerg had rescued Spurs an unlikely point away at Brentford. Newcastle United also continued making waves. Goals from Chris Wood, Miguel Almiron, and Joelinton secured an impressive 3-0 victory away at Leicester City to cut the Gunners’ lead to four points and leapfrog Manchester City into second place. Arsenal knew that nothing less than victory at home to West Ham United would suffice. 

Pressure, what pressure?

Hosting the Hammers in a London derby on Boxing Day is no easy feat, however. Despite their form so far this term, the East Londoners have qualified for European football in each of the last two seasons. Victories over Sevilla and Lyon last season saw them reach the semifinals of the Europa League last term. David Moyes’ side are no pushovers, and they proved that in the first half at the Emirates when Saïd Benrahma gave the visitors the lead from the penalty spot just short of the half-hour mark. 

Mikel Arteta however has instilled a sense of belief into his players, and their never say die attitude was on full display. Last season, two defeats in their last three games of the campaign saw them surrender a spot in the Champions League to rivals Spurs. Had they qualified, it would have been their first chance to dine at European football’s top table since the days of Arsène Wenger. As we all remember, it wasn’t to be, but this season, we have seen a different Arsenal. 

In the second half against the Hammers, they came roaring back, inspired by captain and midfield maestro Martin Ødegaard. The 24-year-old Norweigian provided assists for English duo Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah – who was standing in for the injured Gabriel Jesus. Sandwiched between those two was a goal from Brazilian winger Gabriel Martinelli, which ensured that the Gunners sealed a 3-1 victory and that they put further distance between them and the chasing pack.