Arsenal lost at home for the first time since May on Thursday as Mikel Arteta's squad was defeated 2-0 by West Ham, denying them the opportunity to take back the top spot in the Premier League. Together with a strong defensive effort, goals from former Arsenal player Konstantinos Mavropanos in the 55th and 13th minutes of play, respectively, earned West Ham the victory at Emirates Stadium and ended the Gunners' midseason slump.

Arsenal, which was leading the league at Christmas, has only won once in its past four league games. To maintain that lead going into 2024, Arsenal must defeat Fulham on the road on Sunday. Arsenal is now two points behind Liverpool in second place; the latter team doesn't play again until New Year. In the sixth minute of stoppage time, Said Benrahma's penalty was saved by Arsenal custodian David Raya, which might have meant an even larger victory for West Ham.