Arsenal Beats West Ham to Return to Top Four

Lukas Podolski came up with a brace as Arsenal recovered from a goal down to beat West Ham and leapfrog Everton back into the top four on Tuesday night.

Matt Jarvis headed the Hammers ahead five minutes to the break, but the Germany international restored parity with a shot on the turn four minutes later.

Frenchman Olivier Giroud placed the ‘Gunners’ in the lead ten minutes after the break, before Podolski sealed his brace.

Arsene Wenger’s men looked on the brink of a five league-game winless run when Jarvis scored his second league goal of the season from an Antonio Nocerino’s assist.

With fellow contenders Everton hosting Crystal Palace on Wednesday, Arsenal, fresh from an FA Cup semi-final win over Wigan Athletic, knew another slip-up could jeopardise their Champions League ambition for next season.

The North Londoners, who had already been punished for not taking chances against neighbours struggling to avoid a surge down to the Championship, replied almost immediately, as a poor clearance from Stuart Downing gifted Santi Carzola the ball, who in turn set Podolski up to drill a left-footed shot across Adrian and into the bottom corner.

Lukas Poodolski's Brace and Olivier Giroud Strike Guides Arsenal Back Into the Premier League Fourth Place.
Lukas Poodolski’s Brace and Olivier Giroud Strike Guides Arsenal Back Into the Premier League Fourth Place.

The goal changed switched momentum in favour of the hosts and they went a-goal up on 55 minutes, when a classy Giroud responded swiftly to drive a short through the legs of Adrian from just inside the corner of the six-yards box with just two touches.

Arsenal stepped more on the gas pedal and came up with the third goal with only 12 minutes left. Substitute Aaron Ramsey gifted Podolski the ball with a headed pass for the German to fire past Adrian.