Arsenal 2 West Ham 0:Arsenal showed the spirit of champions to overcome the dismissal of defender Thomas Vermaelen as they battled back to the top of the Premier League with victory over struggling West Ham.
Brazilian midfielder Denilson fired the Gunners in front after only five minutes as Arsene Wenger’s men looked to leapfrog Manchester United and Chelsea, who do not play until tomorrow.
Vermaelen was then deemed to have been the last man when he pulled down Guillermo Franco, and was shown a straight red card by referee Martin Atkinson.
However, Manuel Almunia saved Alessandro Diamanti’s penalty and captain Cesc Fabregas — back from a injury lay-off — made it 2-0 with nine minutes left from the same spot following a handball by Matthew Upson.
The Gunners could, of course, fall back down to third place should both United and Chelsea win tomorrow, but after another brave display, Wenger’s youngsters remain very much in the hunt for a first title since the ‘Invincibles’ campaign of 2003/2004.
Arsenal swept into the lead when Denilson won the ball from Valon Behrami on the edge of the West Ham box, before playing a neat one-two with Nicklas Bendtner. The Brazilian needed no second invitation as he stepped into the penalty area before sidefooting a low shot into the bottom right corner.
Arsenal were reduced to 10 men a minute before the break when Vermaelen was, on the advice of the assistant, adjudged to have pulled down Franco as they chased a long ball into the box — and deemed the last man by Atkinson who, from 20 yards away, went to his back pocket for the red card.
Wenger was fuming — but will feel justice was done when Almunia made a brilliant save down to his left to keep out Diamanti’s spot-kick.
Song dropped back into the centre of defence, as Arsenal regrouped for the second half with Bendtner deployed as a lone striker, which limited Arsenal’s attacking options.
West Ham, though, failed to make the most of their extra possession.
Matthew Upson, the former Arsenal defender, was cautioned for tripping Eboue to concede a free-kick 25 yards out on the right. Fabregas curled his effort around the wall, but wide.
Arsenal suddenly found another gear, lifted by the Emirates Stadium faithful as Samir Nasri flashed a low ball across the face of goal from the right. West Ham were still a danger, though, as Diamanti’s drive was deflected behind for a corner.
Arsenal secured themselves a two-goal cushion and some much-needed breathing space after Upson’s handball with nine minutes left, as Fabregas made no mistake from the penalty spot as the Gunners recorded a sixth successive league victory.