Arsenal F.C. Edge Closer to EPL Title After Narrow Win Over West Ham United F.C.
Sports Updated: 10 May 2026 22:30 EAT
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Arsenal moved a step closer to winning the Premier League title after securing a tense 1-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium on Sunday evening. Belgian forward Leandro Trossard scored the decisive goal late in the second half to hand Mikel Arteta’s side a crucial three points in the title race.
The Gunners struggled to break down a resilient West Ham side for much of the encounter, with the hosts defending in numbers and frustrating Arsenal’s attacking players. Trossard, however, finally found the breakthrough in the 83rd minute after a swift attacking move involving captain Martin Ødegaard.
The result leaves Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League table with only two matches remaining this season. Defending champions Manchester City still have a game in hand, but Arsenal remain firmly in control of the race for the trophy.
West Ham nearly snatched a dramatic equaliser deep into stoppage time when Callum Wilson found the back of the net in the 95th minute. The celebrations inside the London Stadium were short-lived after VAR intervened and ruled out the goal for a foul on Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya during the build-up.
The controversial decision sparked frustration among West Ham players and supporters, while Arsenal players celebrated wildly at the final whistle. Referee Chris Kavanagh upheld the VAR recommendation after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.
Goalkeeper David Raya also played a key role in Arsenal’s victory after producing an important save earlier in the second half to deny West Ham striker Taty Castellanos. Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori and Trossard had earlier come close before the breakthrough eventually arrived.
The victory means Arsenal now require positive results in their remaining fixtures against Burnley and Crystal Palace to secure what would be their first Premier League title in 22 years. The North London club last lifted the trophy during the famous “Invincibles” season under Arsène Wenger in 2004.
For West Ham, the defeat deepens relegation fears with only two matches left in the campaign. The Hammers remain under pressure near the bottom of the table and now face a difficult battle to secure Premier League survival.
Arsenal supporters celebrated passionately after the final whistle, with many believing the victory could become one of the defining moments of the season. Social media platforms were flooded with reactions praising Trossard’s composure and Raya’s crucial contribution during the tense encounter.
Manager Mikel Arteta praised his players for maintaining composure under pressure, describing the match as one of the toughest tests of Arsenal’s campaign. The Spaniard insisted the team remains fully focused ahead of the final two matches of the season.
The win also extended Arsenal’s strong away record this season, with the Gunners continuing to demonstrate consistency in crucial matches. Their defensive discipline once again proved vital as they held firm during West Ham’s late pressure.
West Ham manager Graham Potter expressed disappointment after the match, particularly over the disallowed goal, but admitted his side failed to capitalize on several important opportunities during the game. He called on his players to remain united ahead of their remaining fixtures.
Attention now shifts to Arsenal’s final two matches, which could determine whether the club finally ends its long wait for Premier League glory. Fans across North London are already beginning to dream of a historic title celebration after another dramatic weekend in the title race.
Mikel Arteta on Trossard: "We have a player that makes the difference for us; of course it's impossible to maintain the level always but this week he's had phenomenal games, and he made the difference for us today."
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FELIX MAKONA
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