Arsenal turned around a 1-0 deficit to win 3-1 against West Ham at the Emirates Stadium on Boxing Day as the Premier League returned.

Despite the Gunners having 10 players away at the World Cup over the past month, it was a near full strength side fielded by Mikel Arteta, with Eddie Nketiah leading the line in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus.

Arsenal fell behind after 25 minutes due to a Said Benrahma penalty, after William Saliba tripped Jarrow Bowen, but the leaders shook off the rust in the second half with each of the front three scoring in the comeback victory. 

Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli and showed no signs of post-World Cup fatigue in their goals whilst Nketiah capped off a brilliant move by rolling his defender and slotting the ball into the far corner. 

Whilst it took the Gunners a half to get back into the swing of things, they showed in the second half that they are ready and raring to go after the World Cup break, playing with the swagger and confidence that has led them seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.

Captain Martin Odegaard was a driving force for Arsenal once again, pulling the strings from midfield with sumptuous skills and passes, and helping himself to two assists on the night after a brilliant all-round performance.

With Brazilian striker Jesus out following knee surgery, Nketiah began his stint up front with a strong performance, confidently dispatching his second-half chance, whilst linking the play well and leading the suffocating press throughout, akin to his more experienced teammate.

Arteta’s belief in Nketiah has been re-enforced by the Gunners instead looking for a winger to replace the production of Jesus in the January transfer window, submitting an opening bid of over £50 million for Shakhtar Donetsk winger Mykhailo Mudryk.

Nketiah’s goals will be crucial for Arsenal’s upcoming run, with the next six weeks set to define the Gunners’ title charge. 

Arsenal will face Brighton away on New Year's Eve, then host Newcastle in their first match of 2023 before also facing Tottenham, Manchester United, Everton and Brentford, before the big one, at home against Manchester City in mid-February. As each win passes, the more the players and fans believe.