Arsenal striker Sylvain Wiltord helped to erase the memory of his side's 6-1 thrashing at Manchester United last week by scoring a hat-trick for the Gunners in a comfortable win at home to West Ham.
A mistake by former England international Stuart Pearce handed Arsenal the opening goal after six minutes.
The veteran defender misplaced a header straight to the feet of Robert Pires and his quick pass released Wiltord who slotted the ball past West Ham goalkeeper Shaka Hislop.
Seven minutes later Wiltord struck again and once more the hapless Pearce was involved.
Lee Dixon lofted the ball 40 yards to the corner of the West Ham box where Wiltord leapt to chest the ball down. It bounced off Pearce, setting up the French striker perfectly for a crisp 15-yard finish which left Hislop helpless as it flashed into the far corner.
Wiltord completed his treble six minutes before half time, his 11th goal of the season. Freddy Ljungberg was the provider with a neat pass and the former Bordeaux striker raced on to clip the ball under the advancing Hislop.
Wiltord was replaced early in the second half by compatriot, Thierry Henry, having done his job.
The remainder of the game seemed to be played as a testimonial match, with neither London club creating much by way of chances, save for a couple of flashes of skill from Dennis Bergkamp.
The result leaves Arsenal eight points ahead of nearest rivals, Liverpool, for an automatic Champions League spot. - AFP