Rob Holding got a very timely first ever Premier League goal as his header helped Arsenal to a hard-fought 2-1 win at West Ham.
The defender, who came in for Ben White in the Arsenal starting XI, put his side at the London Stadium in front with a glancing header.
West Ham got level on the stroke of half time through a classy finish by Jarrod Bowen.
But the points went to Arsenal as another centre-back put them back in front – Gabriel heading in Gabriel Martinelli’s cross from the left.
This is a third straight win for Arsenal, who reclaim their spot in fourth place having lost it when Tottenham beat Leicester earlier on Sunday.
The clash made a slow start with both sides cutting nervy demeanours, with limited opportunities in the opening half an hour. Manuel Lanzini’s goalbound strike being blocked by Holding was the most notable moment.
Hammers goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski did well to deny Eddie Nketiah’s low strike on 38 minutes but could do nothing to stop his former club going in front as Holding flicked in Bukayo Saka’s corner from the right.
The home side nearly hit back straight away in similar fashion but Declan Rice’s near-post header was kept out by Aaron Ramsdale.
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But they got level just before the break as Bowen slotted the ball past Ramsdale after receiving the ball from Vladimir Coufal.
Bowen then looked like he was going to help David Moyes’ side get a huge advantage as he fell to the ground after beating Ramsdale to a 50-50 ball. However, referee Mike Dean booked Bowen for simulation.
Fabianski denied Saka’s low effort but like with the first goal, West Ham conceded again following the resulting corner.
Martinelli retrieved the ball on the left after the set piece was only partially cleared. The forward then picked out his fellow Brazilian Gabriel, who powerfully headed Arsenal back in front.
The excellent Nketiah had a couple of opportunities to extend Arsenal’s lead, however, another goal wasn’t required as the visitors held on for the win.
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