Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations took a major hit on Saturday as they suffered a 1-0 defeat to West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium.
Jarrod Bowen’s first-half header from an Aaron Wan-Bissaka cross proved decisive, handing the Gunners their first league loss in 16 matches.
Arsenal, who were reduced to 10 men in the second half, struggled to find a breakthrough in the absence of key attackers Kai Havertz, Gabriel Jesus, and Bukayo Saka.
Mikel Merino, making his first start for the club, was deployed as a makeshift striker but was unable to provide the attacking spark needed.
The situation worsened in the 73rd minute when Myles Lewis-Skelly was shown a straight red card for a foul on Mohammed Kudus after a VAR review.
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The defeat leaves Arsenal in second place, eight points behind league leaders Liverpool, who face Manchester City on Sunday. A victory for Liverpool would extend their lead to 11 points, further denting Arsenal’s title ambitions.
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