Arsenal’s pulsating London derby with West Ham saw a stunning seven first half goals scored – equalling a Premier League record.
The Gunners went into the break 5-2 up in what proved to be a nervy ending for the visitors after a very fast start.
Mikel Arteta’s men looked to be on course for a huge victory after racing into a 4-0 lead after just 36 minutes.
Goals from Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz saw thousands of Hammers fans heading for the exit at the London Stadium.
But a quickfire double from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson Palmieri silenced the visiting Gooners, who feared a shock comeback could be on the cards.
However, away supporters were soon cheering again when Bukayo Saka restored Arsenal’s three-goal lead in the fifth minute of first half added time.
The seven goals scored mean Arsenal vs West Ham has become the fourth fixture to have seen seven strikes in the opening period.
Blackburn’s clash with Leeds in September 1997 was the first match to see seven goals scored, with no goals after the break in a 4-3 win for the Whites.
Bradford vs Derby then levelled the tally in April 2000, with that match ending 4-4.
The last game to see even goals scored in the first half was Reading’s thriller with Manchester United in December 2012 – that also had no second half goals and finished 4-3 to the Red Devils.
More to follow…
