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West Ham start second half by taking the lead against Arsenal

Wenger

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 26: Arsene Wenger manager of Arsenal looks on prior to the Barclays Premier League match between West Ham United and Arsenal at Boleyn Ground on December 26, 2013 in London, England.

A mistake from Theo Walcott lead to the first goal at West Ham, with the hosts taking the lead over Arsenal early in the second half.

Arsenal must’ve thought they were off to a flying start upon resumption of play, with Walcott racing up the wing. But Walcott misjudged his pass, allowing the hosts to pounce and launch their own counterattack.

Kevin Nolan sent his shot in from the left, and although Wojciech Szczesny was able to stop the ball from landing in the back of the net, he couldn’t hold on to it. The keeper’s slip allowed the ball to land in front of Carlton Cole. The big forward showed no hesitation, knocking in from close range.

Minutes later, West Ham very nearly got a second when Szczesny managed spill again, this time on a shot from Matthew Jarvis. The visitors were saved, however, when no Irons player followed up to knock in the rebound.

Arsenal have sparked to life following the goal from Cole, but West Ham, contrary to expectation, are not simply sitting back and defending. Does Arsène Wenger have a plan? Or will Liverpool be able to go three points clear at the top after the day’s fixtures have come to an end?

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