Track Tickets
Arsenal are closing in on their first Premier League title since 2004 after Leandro Trossard's late goal secured a nervy 1-0 victory at West Ham United. The Gunners now lead Manchester City by five points, with City still having a game in hand. For West Ham, the defeat leaves them on the brink of relegation after 14 years in the top flight.
West Ham 0-1 Arsenal: Trossard the hero
Arsenal made hard work of what should have been a routine victory at the London Stadium, but ultimately did what champions do – found a way to win.
Mikel Arteta's side dominated the opening exchanges, launching wave after wave of attacks against struggling West Ham. But the final ball was lacking, and the hosts survived the early onslaught.
The second half brought a shift in momentum. West Ham grew in confidence and almost took a shock lead when Mateus Fernandes found himself one-on-one with David Raya. The Spanish goalkeeper produced a vital save to keep the scores level.
That intervention proved decisive. Minutes later, Martin Ødegaard threaded a pass through to Leandro Trossard, who made no mistake in beating goalkeeper Mads Hermansen – 0-1 to Arsenal.
There was still time for late drama. Deep into stoppage time, Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a point for West Ham, but referee Chris Kavanagh was sent to the monitor by VAR. After a lengthy review, the goal was chalked off for a foul on Raya.
Arsenal held on. The title is within touching distance.
Title race: Arsenal in control
| Pos | Team | P | Pts | Remaining |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arsenal | 36 | — | Burnley (H), Palace (A) |
| 2 | Manchester City | 35 | — | Palace (H)*, plus 2 matches |
*Game in hand
Arsenal have the title in their own hands. Two wins from their final two matches – home to relegated Burnley and away at Crystal Palace – will guarantee a first championship since the Invincibles of 2003-04.
Even if City win all their remaining games, Arsenal only need four points to be certain. The wait of 22 years could finally be over.
West Ham's relegation nightmare
For West Ham, the permutations are grim. After 14 consecutive seasons in the Premier League, the Hammers are staring at Championship football:
| Pos | Team | P | Pts | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 17 | Tottenham Hotspur | 35 | — | Play Leeds Monday |
| 18 | West Ham United | 36 | — | 1 point behind Spurs |
West Ham are one point behind Tottenham, who face Leeds United on Monday night. A Spurs victory would pile even more pressure on the Hammers going into the final weeks.
Sunday's Result
- West Ham United 0-1 Arsenal (Trossard 72')
Arsenal's remaining fixtures
- Burnley (H) – relegated, nothing to play for
- Crystal Palace (A) – final day
On paper, the run-in looks favourable. But Arsenal fans know better than to count their chickens after years of near-misses.
What's next
- Monday: Tottenham vs Leeds United – huge relegation battle
- May 13: Manchester City vs Crystal Palace – City's game in hand
