Podolski Powers Arsenal Over West Ham

 3-1 

Arsenal came into today's Premier League match against West Ham in fifth place, just two points behind Everton.  That fourth place position of course crucial for Champions League qualification and the Gunners hoped to replace Everton with a win today.  West Ham have not been great as of late, but as they showed in their last match against Liverpool, they do not go down without a fight.

West Ham took the lead late in the first-half when Antonio Nocerino got in behind the Arsenal defense.  Nocerino fired a shot from a tight angle and keeper Szczesny made the save, but the ball stayed in front of the goal.  Matthew Jarvis came in late and finished the loose ball with a header to put the visitors ahead (40').

Arsenal managed to respond in the few minutes left in the first-half thanks to a poor clearance by Stewart Downing.  The winger's clearance was left short and fell right for Santi Cazorla at the edge of the box.  Cazorla quickly played a through-ball for Podolski who made a good turn and shot to find the net and level the score (44').

After half-tim West Ham were rather deflated and Arsenal were able to take control of the match.  Oliver Giroud scored a go-ahead goal shortly after the break with a spectacular trap inside the box.  Vermaelen played a lofted ball into the box and the striker perfectly controlled the ball before shooting to put the Gunners in front (55').

Later in the half Aaron Ramsey came into the match and got an assist for the final goal of the day.  Ramsey played Podolski in behind defender Tomkins with a header and Podolski scored with a well struck first-touch shot (78').

Podolski is not always prefered by manager Arsene Wenger, but today he made the most of his inclusion in the line-up.  With this win Arsenal claim three points and pull ahead of Everton in the table.  Everton will have a chance to jump back ahead of Arsenal when they play Crystal Palace tomorrow at Goodison Park.