The Arsenal West Ham match report tells the story of a nervy, dramatic evening at the London Stadium on 10 May 2026 — one that left Mikel Arteta’s side just two wins from a first Premier League title in 22 years. Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute strike, combined with a gut-wrenching VAR drama in stoppage time, gave Arsenal a precious 1-0 victory that stretches their lead at the summit to five points with two matches remaining.
Arsenal West Ham Match Report: Trossard Settles a Tense London Affair
For long stretches at the London Stadium, it looked as though Arsenal would be left cursing a missed opportunity. The Gunners dominated the opening period, registering nine shots in a frenzied 22-minute spell, but were repeatedly thwarted by a combination of heroic goalkeeping from Mads Hermansen and a goal-line block from Konstantinos Mavropanos. Arsenal huffed, pushed, and pressed — yet the first half ended goalless.
Martin Odegaard orchestrated proceedings from the midfield, threading balls into dangerous channels and probing at West Ham’s defensive shape. Gabriel Martinelli caused problems down the left flank, while Bukayo Saka’s darting runs constantly occupied the home backline. The brilliance was there in patches, but the final product remained frustratingly absent until the 83rd minute.
Odegaard received the ball on the edge of the area, cut inside with characteristic elegance, and laid it back perfectly to Trossard. The Belgian midfielder did not hesitate. One touch, one clean finish into the corner of Filip Jorgensen’s net — and the travelling Arsenal supporters erupted. It was Trossard’s moment of magic that the Gunners had been waiting all evening for, and it proved to be the winner.
VAR Drama and a Narrow Escape in Stoppage Time
Arsenal’s night could not pass without drama, of course. Deep into stoppage time, West Ham substitute Callum Wilson nodded home what appeared to be a deserved equaliser, sending the home crowd into raptures. But after an agonising VAR review that stretched the nerves of every Arsenal supporter inside and outside the stadium, the goal was ruled out. Referee intervention confirmed that West Ham forward Pablo had fouled Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya by grabbing his arm during the build-up.
The wait felt interminable, but the verdict was clear. Arsenal had survived, and the London Stadium fell silent as Arteta punched the air on the touchline. Raya had been outstanding throughout the 90 minutes — his second-half saves from Jarrod Bowen and Mohammed Kudus were among the best of his Arsenal career — and it was only fitting that he played a central role in the climax of the evening.
Premier League Title Race: Arsenal Within Touching Distance
With five points separating Arsenal from Manchester City at the top of the table, the maths is now firmly in the Gunners’ favour. Arteta’s side face relegated Burnley at the Emirates Stadium before travelling to Selhurst Park, where Crystal Palace will be focused on their Conference League final against Rayo Vallecano. Arsenal simply need to keep calm and gather the points that the remaining schedule provides.
“We fought, we suffered, and we deserved to win tonight,” Arteta said after the final whistle. “The players showed incredible mentality. We knew it would be difficult — West Ham always make it difficult for us — but we found the goal at the right moment and held on.”
Trossard, reflecting on his crucial contribution, added: “It’s one of the most important goals I’ve scored for this club. The feeling when it went in was incredible. We just have to keep going and get those final two wins.”
The win maintains the momentum that has defined Arsenal’s season. Since the turn of the year, the Gunners have accumulated points at a rate that few could have predicted after a patchy autumn campaign. Their defensive record has been exemplary — just 28 goals conceded in 36 league games — and their attacking output, led by Saka (19 goals), has been consistently excellent.
Manchester City, who had hoped a slip-up from Arsenal might reignite their own title ambitions, were held to a draw midweek, leaving them with an almost insurmountable deficit. Barring a dramatic collapse from Arsenal, the Premier League trophy is heading to north London for the first time since the 2003/04 Invincibles season.
For now, the Gunners will savour this hard-fought victory. In a title race this tight, every point matters — and Trossard’s composure in the 83rd minute may well prove to be the defining moment of Arsenal’s campaign.
For more on the Premier League title race, read our West Ham vs Arsenal preview and our EPL Matchweek 36 roundup. You can also follow all the latest from the LBRD Sports section.
