Alexandre Lacazette’s 82nd-minute header completed a remarkable Arsenal comeback as West Ham surrendered a three-goal lead to draw 3-3 in a breathless encounter at the London Stadium.
The Hammers raced into what seemed an unassailable advantage after Jesse Lingard’s 15th minute opener was added to by Jarrod Bowen in the 17th minute and Tomas Soucek, after 32 minutes.
But Lacazette played his part in beginning the sensational response by the Gunners when his shot deflected in off Soucek, before another own goal from Craig Dawson further reduced the deficit in the 61st minute. West Ham were crestfallen when Lacazette met Nicolas Pepe’s cross to secure a share of the spoils.
This will feel like a defeat for David Moyes’ side having been in such a commanding position, but his team remain in fifth place on 49 points, two adrift of Chelsea in the final Champions League place.
Arteta was full of praise for his side’s second-half performance, declaring it “the best Arsenal have played all season”.
At 3-0 down, Arsenal looked almost certain to lose further ground in the race for European places.
Lacazette gave the Gunners hope when found the net with a volley which took a deflection off Soucek for Arsenal’s opener just before the break.
And Dawson turned in Calum Chambers’ cross to further cut the deficit, before the France striker rose highest to level the game late on after good work from Nicolas Pepe.
A defeat would have opened up a 10-point gap between the two sides and arguably ended Arsenal’s hopes of qualifying for a European competition through a top-six finish.
The result moves Arsenal into ninth ahead of Aston Villa’s game with Tottenham later on Super Sunday.
