One to remember: A look back at when Arsenal last faced West Ham

The last time Arsenal faced West Ham in the Premier League this season was one to remember, for a variety of different reasons. Now, the two sides will meet again in a different fashion, as Arsenal are fighting for the title, and West Ham are battling against relegation.

On Boxing Day of the last calendar year, when the World Cup had just come to an end and it was the first match in the Premier League’s return, Arsenal hosted West Ham. It was a game of what-ifs as nobody knew how the Gunners would react after losing Gabriel Jesus through injury at the World Cup.

However, the Gunners thrived in this match. After going a goal down through a Benrahma penalty and entering the second half on the losing end, it seemed like unknown territory at that stage of the season. Although, it did feel like a familiar tale of seasons gone by.

But Arsenal became revitalised in the second half, kicked off by a great goal by Bukayo Saka. Then, just 5 minutes later, Gabriel Martinelli extended the scoring and pushed the Gunners into the lead for the first time in the match. Then, who else but Eddie Nketiah to put the cherry on top of the cake, following a great touch to secure the three points for Arsenal?

As a fan, I remember thinking back to this game and thinking that everything was going right for us. It was he first time all season that I actually started to believe we might end up champions. The resilience to fight back from Jesus’ setback and coming back after going a goal down to win comfortably filled me with confidence.

Now, Arsenal must win on Sunday to maximise their chances of winning the Premier League. What’s your score prediction for this match?