Arsenal suffered a disastrous five minutes at the start of their second half in Premier League action against West Ham. The Gunners began the half 2-1 in front and were given a golden chance to restore their two-goal lead after Michail Antonio handled in the penalty area.
Bukayo Saka was the man to step up, despite Gabriel Jesus scoring from the spot in the 4-1 victory against Leeds, but the England winger fired his penalty off target. Jesus looked as though he was going to take the spot kick but he handed the ball over to Saka after allowing the West Ham players to play any mind games on him instead.
The visitors were still in a good position despite the penalty miss but moments later West Ham were back level through Jarrod Bowen. A lofted ball over the back line found Bowen, who evaded any Arsenal defenders and fired past Ramsdale to cap off a dreadful few minutes.
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That shocking period for Mikel Arteta and his players could prove to be title-deciding in their race with Manchester City. Here is how Arsenal fans reacted to the penalty miss and West Ham equaliser.
@vinibenz209 - When your team has Gabriel Jesus on the field why Saka took the penalty? Imagine Vini taking a penalty instead of Benzema. Now West Ham scores and 2-2
@Arch_Wardz - I said Jesus should take the penalty, idc if Saka been quiet, the boost from a brace is better for Jesus and now we're 2-2
@EazyJerry10 - Jesus should’ve took the damn penalty instead of Saka smh
@breecarrie_ - saka taking penalties when we have jesus is a myth
@willnew_ - Can’t understand why Saka is Arsenal’s penalty taker when they’ve got the likes of Jesus & Odegaard on the pitch??
@Artetasreds - Jesus scores the last penalty and Saka takes this one, honestly…
@kwenza_b - Ey Saka my man, you cant miss a penalty in these crucial times! Why they didn't give Gabriel Jesus that penalty?
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