Arsenal collapse at West Ham as Rice action makes transfer aim clear

West Ham V Arsenal: Pictures

Arsenal surrendered another two-goal lead to draw 2-2 against West Ham United on Sunday in what could be a defining turning point in the title race. Gabriel Jesus and Martin Odegaard fired Arsenal two goals ahead after just 10 minutes but Said Benrahma and Jarrod Bowen rescued a point on either side of Bukayo Saka’s penalty miss.

Express Sport provides four things learned after the Gunners’ position at the Premier League summit descended into jeopardy at the London Stadium.

Arsenal showcase their brilliant best… again

Arsenal started in electric fashion against Liverpool at Anfield, blowing the hosts away with rapid passing and movement.

They started in the same mood at West Ham, cutting David Moyes’ men open with slick interchanges and taking a 2-0 lead after 10 minutes.

When they are at their best, it’s hard to suggest that any other team in the league has played more attractive football this season.

But like on Merseyside, Arsenal looked to hit a brick wall and were a shadow of the team in the opening stages for the rest of the game.

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Declan Rice launches comeback

Declan Rice will reportedly be Arsenal’s priority target when the summer transfer window rolls around.

And he showcased exactly why Mikel Arteta wants him in the core of his side by playing a significant role in the comeback.

West Ham’s first came via Said Benrahma from the penalty spot, but Rice launched the move that won the spot-kick by winning the ball high up the pitch and showcasing his carrying ability.

A character of Rice’s ilk in Arteta’s midfield would significantly lower the chances of these collapses continuing to stifle Arsenal.

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Bukayo Saka’s penalty was THE moment

Saka has a dark past when it comes to penalties in big moments, looking back to the Euro 2020 final.

But his record for Arsenal was flawless before Sunday’s draw, scoring all six of his penalties.

Firing his effort wide felt like a big moment. As big as being THE turning point in the title race.

That would’ve made it 3-1 to Arsenal and killed West Ham’s momentum entirely. But Bowen scored the equaliser moments later, which will have made the sucker punch all the more painful.

April 26 is make-or-break

It doesn’t need to be said, but Arsenal picking up just two points from their last two games has made April 26 all the more important.

Arteta’s side will travel to the Etihad Stadium knowing that if Man City win their game in hand and triumph on the night, the title is out of their hands.

Arsenal will have the opportunity to return to winning ways before their visit to Manchester against Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday.

But their shaky away form will not harvest confidence for a match that could ultimately decide whether, unbelievably, they end their impressive season without silverware.

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