Gunners win keeps them top

Arsenal recorded their fifteeth Premiership win of the season as goals from Eduardo and Emmanuel Adebayor helped them to a 2-0 victory over London rivals West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on New Years Day.

The Gunners were off to a great start when Eduardo finished immaculately from the centre of the penalty area after chest-controlling a cross from Cesc Fabregas from left side of the box, and shooting past Robert Green, in the second minute. It was the Croatian striker’s third Premiership goal so far.

The Hammers almost got the equaliser soon after, but Mark Noble’s cheeky attempt to volley the ball beyond Manuel Almunia just did not come off right.

In the 12th minute, Carlton Cole’s shot, which was deflected off Kolo Toure, missed the target by a narrow margin even as Almunia made a desperate dive. And seconds later, Anton Ferdinand’s attempt was cleared off the goalline by Gael Clichy following a corner kick.

At the other end, the home side doubled the score as Emmanuel Adebayor cut through the Hammers backline following a long ball from left-back Clichy.

Hammers keeper Green was left out of position when the Togo hit-man manoeuvred the ball with a headed touch before nudging the ball towards the target from a very tight angle and hitting the inside of the far post to see the ball crossing the goalline in the 18th minute.

Arsenal had an opportunity to take their tally to three goals in the 51st minute as Adebayor and Rosicky traded passes before the Czech midfielder passed the ball for Eduardo in the rival box. However the Croatian striker failed to get onto the other end of the assist and Hammers defender Matthew Upson came up with the clearance.

The home side were in complete control of the game in the second half and by the hour mark, they toyed with the rival backline as Rosicky, Fabregas and Flamini came up with attempts to increase the scoring.

Overall, another impressive performance by the Gunners who continue their race to the Premiership title.

Teams

Arsenal: Manuel Almunia, Gael Clichy, Emmanuel Eboue (Alexander Hleb 77), William Gallas, Justin Hoyte, Kolo Toure, Francesc Fabregas, Mathieu Flamini, Tomas Rosicky (Vassiriki Diaby 89), Emmanuel Adebayor, Da Silva Eduardo (Theo Walcott 63).

Substitutes not used: Jens Lehmann, Alexandre Song Billong.

West Ham: Robert Green, Anton Ferdinand, George McCartney, Lucas Neill, John Pantsil, Jonathan Spector, Matthew Upson, Fredrik Ljungberg (Jack Collison 38), Hayden Mullins (Henri Camara 77), Mark Noble, Carlton Cole Dean Ashton 71.

Substitutes not used: Richard Wright, James Tomkins.