Arsenal failed to reclaim the top spot in the Premier League as they lost 2-0 to West Ham United at the Emirates on December 28, 2023.

Tomas Soucek scored controversially in the first half, and Dinos Mavropanos added another goal on his return to Arsenal.

In the first half, the hosts had control and created chances, but Soucek scored from close range after Jarrod Bowen’s cross.

There was a VAR check to see if the ball had gone out of play during the assist, but the goal stood after a three-and-a-half minute review.

After halftime, Mavropanos, returning to his former club, headed in a second goal from James Ward-Prowse’s corner.

Arsenal tried to come back, with Bukayo Saka hitting the post and Gabriel Jesus missing opportunities.

A penalty was awarded to Arsenal after a foul on Emerson, but Said Benrahma’s spot kick was saved by David Raya.

Despite having 30 shots, Arsenal couldn’t score, suffering their first home league loss and third in the Premier League this season.

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At the midpoint of the season, the Gunners are now in second place with 40 points, trailing leaders Liverpool by two points.

West Ham, with this win, moved back to sixth place with 33 points from 19 matches, surpassing Manchester United, who have 31 points.

Seagulls tear apart Spurs in Brighton

Tottenham Hotspur’s hopes of making a return to the Champions League took a hit as they lost 4-2 against Brighton in the Premier League on Thursday.

A win would have seen Spurs dislodge defending champions Manchester City from the fourth spot, but Brighton dominated the game on the south coast.