Arsenal strengthened their position in the race for Champions League football on Sunday with a 2-1 win over West Ham. Goals from centre-back partnership Rob Holding and Gabriel Magalhaes were enough to see off the Hammers, who can no longer mathematically finish in the top four.
The win means that Arsenal stay in fourth, two points ahead of north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur and now just three behind west Londoners, Chelsea, who've been dragged back into the race after a poor performance at relegation battling Everton.
Although there were moments where the Gunners didn't play well, they fought hard for the victory. Their defence looked compact, and they shook off wave after wave of Hammers attacks in the second-half, whilst they simultaneously looked dangerous on the counter-attack.
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And after such a big win, the national media has responded favourably. The Guardian said the Gunners reacted well to news that Spurs had come away with three points earlier in the day, and that the north London derby on Thursday, 12 May, has the potential to be a game to remember.
"Arsenal could feel the pressure, with Tottenham having beaten Leicester earlier in the day to jump above them into fourth place. Arteta’s team had to react and they did so, keeping the dream alive of a first Champions League qualification since 2016. The north London derby at Spurs’ stadium on 12 May looks increasingly like a potential blockbuster."
Meanwhile, The Express focused on how Arsenal managed to find a way to win, thanks to the will of their centre-halves. "They did so against West Ham, with centre-backs Holding, who was replacing the injured Ben White, and Gabriel coming up trumps with headers in the penalty areas. Mikel Arteta’s side are not renowned for their set pieces or aerial prowess but both defenders timed their runs well to bury the chances presented to them. Their contributions could prove absolutely vital come the end of the month."
To top it off, The Mirror praised how Arsenal were able to navigate their way to three points against such a difficult opposition. "It's a crucial three points and the Gunners have successfully navigated a potential banana skin as West Ham have been in great form this season. It would not be a surprise to see the top-four race go right down to the wire with Arsenal just two points clear of Antonio Conte's men with four games left of the season."
