Arsenal survived a late scare to claim a 1-0 win at West Ham to move a step closer to the Premier League title.
Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute goal restored Arsenal’s five-point lead over Manchester City and leaves the Gunners within two wins of a first league crown since 2004.
A frustrating afternoon looked to be getting away from Arsenal as West Ham held firm, before Trossard’s deflected strike opened the deadlock. Martin Odegaard jinked a route into the penalty box before teeing up the Belgian to fire home.
Arsenal, however, were forced to ride their luck. David Raya’s remarkable save from Mateus Fernandes with the game goalless felt pivotal. The Portuguese midfielder found himself in one-on-one, but was denied by Raya’s brilliant outstretched leg.
Then, late on, a moment that could have changed the narrative of the campaign. Raya flapped at a stoppage-time set piece, and Callum Wilson drilled the loose ball over the goal line.
Arsenal appeals were immediate as the Gunners called a foul on the goalkeeper, with referee Chris Kavanagh advised to go to the screen. He adjudged Pablo Felipe to have fouled Raya, with the forward’s arm across the goalkeeper’s neck as he attempted to deal with the delivery.
Boos rang around the London Stadium at full-time, with West Ham denied a valuable point of their own. The Hammers remain a point from safety, though Tottenham Hotspur have a game in hand. Spurs face Leeds United tomorrow evening.
For Arsenal, the Gunners are now on the brink. Beat Burnley and Crystal Palace and they will be champions, ending a 22-year wait for the Premier League.
As Arteta and his coaching staff celebrated on the touch line, this felt like a massive hurdle overcome. Should the North Londoners lift the title, it will be one of the most definitive victories of their title-winning campaign.
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