Gunners strengthen title hopes after dominant win over London rivals

Arsenal have emphatically surged their way to second on the Premier League table after defeating West Ham 5-2 on Matchday 13 after a remarkable seven-goal first half.

The Gunners were seemingly cruising in the first half, after it took them no longer then 36 minutes to put four goals past the West Ham defence.

To the Hammers’ credit, within the space of two minutes, they found a way back in at 4-2 through quick-fire efforts from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri.

However, a Lukasz Fabianski foul on Gabriel Maghalhaes inside the box right on the stroke of half-time meant the game was over after Bukayo Saka put away his fifth goal of the season and his team’s fifth and final goal of the match.

Arsenal’s goals were scored by Gabriel (10th minute), Leandro Trossard (27th), Martin Odegaard (34th, penalty), Kai Havertz (36th) and Saka (45+5th - penalty).

In other results, Wolverhampton went down to Bournemouth in a shootout that finished 4-2.

The two sides combined for an astonishing four goals inside the first 18 minutes of the match, which left spectators in awe of the entertainment that they were provided with early on.

Justin Kluivert recorded a vital hat-trick for the Cherries, which remarkably all came from penalties.

Nottingham Forest did what they needed to do against Ipswich, securing a 1-0 victory at home to ensure that their spot inside the top seven of the table is locked away for another week.

Crystal Palace had many chances to get the three points against Newcastle, but ultimately couldn’t overcome their tight defence which saw the game end in a 1-1 draw.

And Brentford showed too much class against Leicester City at home after they defeated them 4-1.

Ange Postecoglou’s Spurs will look to continue their winning ways when they take on Fulham at home in the early hours of Monday morning.

Chelsea will be looking to try and gain further separation from the dangerous Aston Villa when they do battle this week as well.

Manchester United have their first home Premier League match under new manager Ruben Amorim as they take on a struggling Everton side.

And Liverpool will round out Matchday 13 with a mouth watering and potentially title deciding clash when they host Manchester City on Monday morning.