ARSENAL blew a two-goal lead today at the London City Stadium to draw 2-2 with West Ham in their English Premier League clash.
It is the second match in a row that the Gunners have given up a 2-0 advantage to draw 2-2, following the same result against Liverpool at Anfield last week.
Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard netted to give the Premier League leaders what looked like a comfortable cushion, but the hosts responded with goals from Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen.
Bukayo Saka missed a penalty for the Gunners before West Ham’s equaliser, and Mikel Arteta’s side will now be looking nervously over their shoulders at the advancing Manchester City.
Arsenal raced to an early lead when Jesus slotted home from close range at the back post from Ben White’s low cross in the seventh minute.
They doubled their lead just three minutes later, Jesus pouncing as the West Ham defence fell asleep.
At that point, it looked like Arsenal were destined for another win in the pursuit of their first Premier League title since 2004, with West Ham in disarray.
The hosts were then handed a lifeline when Gabriel brought down Lucas Paqueta in the box and a penalty was awarded.
Algeria forward Benrahma stepped up to take it in the 33rd minute and he sent Aaron Ramsdale the wrong way.
West Ham were energised by the equaliser and stepped up the intensity, causing Arsenal problems as the first half ended 2-1.
It was however Arsenal who had the golden opportunity to increase their lead at the start of the second half.
Michail Antonio handled the ball in the West Ham box and the referee pointed to the spot, only for Saka to screw the 52nd minute effort wide from 12 yards.
West Ham responded almost instantly, with Bowen staying onside to hit a shot into the ground and past Ramsdale, who had a touch but could not keep the ball out.
Arsenal made a rash of changes in a bid to get the winner but they were unable to avoid a second consecutive draw from a winning position.
The Gunners have given up a two-goal lead in consecutive Premier League games for the first time ever, and they are only the fifth side in the competition’s history to do so, according to Opta statistics.
Arsenal are still on top of the Premier League table, four points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who have a game in hand.
West Ham are 15th, four points clear of the drop zone.
