Arsenal let their second two-goal lead slip in as many games as West Ham staged a hearty comeback at the London Stadium on Sunday.
Gabriel Jesus gave the Gunners the perfect start as he rounded off an eye-catching team move within the opening few minutes. Captain Martin Odegaard doubled the lead shortly after by volleying home from close range after more slick play from Mikel Arteta 's men.
Momeuntum then swung though as Said Benrahma reduced the deficit from the penalty spot. Bukayo Saka had a golden opportunity to put his side back in charge from the spot after a Michail Antonio handball but blazed his effort wide.
Jarrod Bowen then completed an impressive comeback from the Hammers as he volleyed in an excellent equaliser in what could be a crushing blow to the Gunners' title hopes. Here are the talking points from the London Stadium:
Jesus extends electric form
Starting off with the consolations, Brazilian forward Jesus has shown Arsenal exactly what he was missing over the last few weeks after returning from injury and it was certainly no different at the London Stadium. The Brazilian was perfectly placed at the back post to tap home just yards out to give the Gunners the ideal start.
The former Manchester City man now has nine goals in all competitions for the campaign and has scored in each of his last three Premier League outings. His form now looks even more key to the Gunners' hopes of lifting the the title after a shakey few results so Arteta will at least be happy that he was once again on the scoresheet.
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Gunners copy Man City but buckle
If Man City racing into a three-goal lead within 25 minutes against Leicester was a show of intent that they are still in the race, Arsenal's start against West Ham was an emphatic reply. If there were nerves within the Arsenal dressing room, there were absolutely no signs of them initially.
The Gunners were at their slick best from the off and cut West Ham down to size within ten minutes after goals from Jesus and Odegaard. Like City, Arsenal wobbled against West Ham but unlike their rivals, they weren't able to hold out as they let their advantage slip having seemingly been in charge.
Partey gifts West Ham route back
For all of their excellent build-up play and composure throughout the first-half, the Gunners did show signs of complacency before the break - particularly Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey. The former Atletico Madrid man was guilty of handing the Hammers a lifeline before the break.
He was far too easily robbed by Declan Rice as he dawdled on the ball in his own half. The England man then played in Lucas Paqueta who was hauled down by Gabriel.
Benrahma stepped up to score the resultant spot kick - the second the Gunners have conceded in as many matches - but it appears that Partey did not learn from his error. He continued to give the ball away and was fortunate to not be punished more as the momentum swung before he was taken off after the break.
Bowen haunts Arsenal again
Given the change of momentum and atmosphere within the London Stadium, it was certainly no surprise to see David Moyes' men get themselves level. It was also no shock to see who was on the scoresheet - Bowen.
The 26-year-old had scored in each of his last two home games against the Gunners and made it a hat-trick with another well-taken strike. He latched onto Thilo Kehrer's lofted ball into the box to fire beyond Aaron Ramsdale having been played onside by Gabriel.
Whilst Moyes will be delighted to see him keep up his hot form against Arsenal, he will hope that the former Hull City winger's goalscoring run continues for the remainder of the season as he attempts to keep the Hammers in the Premier League.
Gunners now vulnerable
So often this season, Arsenal have been truly unstoppable when taking the lead. In their last two matches however, they have showed signs of vulnerabilty - something that could cost them in the Premier League title race.
At Anfield against Liverpool, they were cruising before Mohamed Salah found the net in the 42nd minute. After that point, the momentum completely swung. It was the same at the London Stadium.
Immediately after Benrahma found the net from the spot, West Ham were the better side and an equaliser looked inevitable. Those four dropped points could be terminal as the Gunners attempt to beat Man City to the title and Arteta must find a solution for that lack of concentration sooner rather than later.
City now favourites?
Arsenal still sit four points clear at the top of the Premier League but it appears that they have relinquished their tag as favourites for the title. Their fate is now not in their own hands.
Man City have a game in hand and should they win that - as well as their game against the Gunners - it is difficult to envisage Arsenal recovering. Given their collapse in the race for the Champions League last season, all at the Emirates Stadium will nervously be peering over their shoulders.
