West Ham 2-2 Arsenal: Gunners dealt Premier League title race blow as Hammers fight back from two goals down

Arsenal threw away a two-goal lead for the second weekend running as they were held to a 2-2 draw by West Ham United that undermined their title challenge with more dropped points The Gunners made the perfect start and were 2-0 up inside 10 minutes, first through Gabriel Jesus who tapped in at the end of a crisp move, and later Martin Odegaard whose close-range volley also followed good build-up play. Ad West Ham offered nothing in the opening half an hour and the London Stadium was growing frustrated, but then Thomas Partey gifted the home side a lifeline by trying an ill-judged flick. Declan Rice won the ball and moved it on to Lucas Paqueta, who won a penalty that was scored by Said Benrahma.

Premier LeagueGuardiola says City's clash with Premier League leaders Arsenal is 'final'18 HOURS AGO Arsenal hung on until the break but then gave West Ham another lifeline soon after as, having been awarded a penalty for handball, Bukayo Saka missed the target entirely. Arsenal were made to pay two minutes later when nobody tracked Jarrod Bowen, allowing him to volley into the ground and beyond Aaron Ramsdale. Jesus came closest to an Arsenal response, but was not quite fast or tall enough to get on the end of a cross flashed across the face of goal.

Michail Antonio headed onto the crossbar as West Ham almost won it late on. The point takes Arsenal four clear of Manchester City, but they have played one game more and still have to visit the Etihad Stadium. West Ham are now four points above the relegation zone.