Netting five first-half goals to defeat West Ham United

Arsenal climbed to second in the Premier League with a dramatic 4-3 victory over West Ham at London Stadium, where all seven goals were scored in a chaotic first half.

The Gunners struck early, with Gabriel heading in Bukayo Saka's corner after just 10 minutes, capitalizing on loose marking by West Ham. Arsenal doubled their advantage in the 27th minute through Leandro Trossard, who finished a slick team move set up by Martin Ødegaard’s chipped pass and Saka’s precise assist.

A breathtaking spell followed, producing four goals in just six minutes. Ødegaard made it 3-0 from the penalty spot after Lucas Paquetá fouled Saka in the box. Moments later, Kai Havertz extended Arsenal's lead to 4-0, taking advantage of Max Kilman’s defensive error to beat Lukasz Fabiański one-on-one.

West Ham rallied, with Aaron Wan-Bissaka scoring at the near post and Emerson curling in a stunning free-kick off the crossbar to reduce the deficit to 4-2. Arsenal restored their cushion before halftime as Saka converted a second penalty, awarded after Fabiański clattered into Gabriel while attempting to clear a corner.

Remarkably, this was only the fourth time in Premier League history that seven goals were scored in a first half. The second half, however, saw no further goals as Arsenal comfortably managed their lead.

The win leaves Arsenal six points behind league leaders Liverpool, who face third-placed Manchester City on Sunday.