Arsenal returned from Premier League action on Boxing Day to face off against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium, able to go seven points clear at the top of the table. With the World Cup break between their last game and the clash with the Hammers - as well as an injury to key striker Gabriel Jesus - there was uncertainty as to how the Gunners would perform on their return.
The home crowd thought their side took the lead early on when Bukayo Saka found the back of the net, but it was ruled out for offside. That potential first-half lead was shortly turned on its head as Jarrod Bowen skipped beyond William Saliba and into the Arsenal box.
The Irons' forward continued for a stride or two to get a shot off, but went down as the ball was cleared shortly after. The referee then pointed to the spot, claiming that Saliba had caught Bowen as he went through on goal, deeming the contact as enough for a foul and a penalty.
