Arsenal’s 7-Goal Thriller Against West Ham: A Premier League Classic
What a game! Arsenal fans were treated to a rollercoaster of emotions on Saturday as their team delivered a jaw-dropping 5-2 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium. The first half alone was a spectacle for the ages, with all seven goals coming in the opening 45 minutes. Mikel Arteta, Arsenal’s manager, summed it up perfectly, calling the first half “crazy.” And honestly, how else could you describe it?
Arsenal came out of the gates like a team possessed, racing to a 4-0 lead within the first 36 minutes. Gabriel Magalhães opened the scoring with a header in the 10th minute, setting the tone for what would be a dominant display. Leandro Trossard doubled the lead shortly after, and by the time Martin Ødegaard converted a penalty in the 34th minute, it was clear Arsenal meant business. Just two minutes later, Kai Havertz added a fourth, leaving some West Ham fans heading for the exits before halftime.
But West Ham wasn’t ready to roll over just yet. Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson struck back with two quick goals, the latter a stunning 25-yard free-kick that crashed in off the underside of the crossbar. For a brief moment, it felt like the Hammers might claw their way back into the game. However, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka had other plans. In first-half stoppage time, Saka coolly slotted home a penalty after West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski fouled Gabriel, restoring Arsenal’s three-goal cushion and effectively sealing the deal.
Breaking Records and Making Statements
Saturday’s match tied the Premier League record for the most first-half goals in a game, with seven. This feat has only been achieved three other times in the league’s history, the last being Manchester United’s 4-3 win over Reading in December 2012. When asked about the record, Arteta admitted he wasn’t aware of it but acknowledged the sheer chaos of the first half.
“It tells you how crazy it was, how efficient both teams were in front of goal,” Arteta said. “It was a spectacular 30 minutes and straight away [you could see] how much the team wanted it, the purpose, determination, and quality that we deliver to score three great goals in different ways and then score the fourth one in a great way as well.”
Arteta also praised his team’s ability to adapt after West Ham’s brief resurgence. “You can sense the energy change and [you think] what’s next? It was great to score the fifth one because obviously that calmed everything down and in the second half we could play a very different game that was much suited for us,” he added.
Key Moments and Player Performances
Here’s a quick breakdown of the key moments from the match:
- 10th Minute: Gabriel Magalhães heads in the opener for Arsenal.
- 16th Minute: Leandro Trossard doubles the lead with a clinical finish.
- 34th Minute: Martin Ødegaard converts a penalty to make it 3-0.
- 36th Minute: Kai Havertz scores Arsenal’s fourth, sending some West Ham fans packing.
- 38th Minute: Aaron Wan-Bissaka pulls one back for West Ham.
- 41st Minute: Emerson’s stunning free-kick gives West Ham a glimmer of hope.
- 45+1 Minute: Bukayo Saka slots home a penalty to restore Arsenal’s three-goal lead.
While Arsenal’s attacking players stole the headlines, it’s worth noting the resilience of their defense in the second half. After the chaotic first 45 minutes, Arsenal managed to shut down West Ham’s attack and control the tempo of the game, ensuring there would be no dramatic comeback.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
The win propelled Arsenal to second place in the Premier League table, at least temporarily. With Liverpool set to face defending champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday, the title race is heating up. Arsenal’s performance against West Ham was more than just three points; it was a statement of intent. This team is hungry, and they’re not afraid to show it.
For West Ham, the loss will sting, but there were positives to take away, particularly Emerson’s stunning free-kick and the team’s brief fightback. However, they’ll need to regroup quickly if they want to climb the table and avoid being dragged into a relegation battle.
As for Arsenal, this game will go down as one of the most memorable of the season. Seven goals in one half? That’s the kind of drama that makes the Premier League the best league in the world. And with performances like this, Arsenal is proving they’re ready to challenge for the title.
Originally Written by: James Olley
