Arsenal Record Second Premier League Win With Nketiah Goal

Eddie Nketiah came on as a substitute to clinch the win as Arsenal edged past West Ham 2-1 in the Premier League at Emirates Stadium on Saturday.

The North London side appeared to be destined to labour to a draw in their first home game of the season until Nketiah slotted home Dani Ceballos’ pass with five minutes remaining.

Michail Antonio tapped in a cross to equalise before half-time and also hit the woodwork with a header before Nketiah popped up to consign the Hammers to a second successive defeat to start the campaign.

50 – Alexandre Lacazette has scored his 50th goal for Arsenal in all competitions becoming the fourth Frenchman to reach this tally for the club after Thierry Henry (228), Robert Pires (84) & Olivier Giroud (105). Milestone. #ARSWHU pic.twitter.com/4oASL8IYHZ

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) September 19, 2020

Jarrod Bowen felt he should have been awarded a penalty when challenged by Gabriel but nothing was given, and Arsenal moved in front courtesy of Lacazette’s powerful header from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s cross.

Gabriel avoided conceding a penalty again when the ball hit him high on the arm, yet West Ham drew level on the stroke of half-time when Antonio turned home Ryan Fredericks’ low delivery.

Antonio was unable to add a finish from six yards to Arthur Masuaku’s excellent cross after the restart, while he was then denied by the woodwork with a header in the 67th minute.

Arsenal came under increasing pressure and Bernd Leno’s blushes were spared after the goalkeeper spilled a cross and Bowen’s shot was blocked by a host of bodies in the box.

However, it was the Gunners that snatched all three points when Ceballos and Nketiah – who had to clarify they were on good terms after a pre-match altercation at Fulham last weekend – combined for the goal that made it two wins in as many games for Mikel Arteta’s side.

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