Arsenal’s title chase this season suffered a setback as West Ham defeated the Gunners 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium in their English Premier League encounter Thursday night. 

Playing a draw against Liverpool at Anfield in their last game, many expected Arsenal to cruise to the top table into the New Year with a home win against West Ham.

But it was another disappointing outing for wasteful Gunners as David Moyes’s side grabbed all three points to move into the top six. 

Tomas Soucek gave the Hammers the lead in the 13th minute. Though the ball appeared to have gone out of play, the VAR check allowed it, leaving Arsenal behind into the first-half break.

The Gunners returned into the second half pushing hard for an equaliser, but West Ham will not cave in.

In the 55th minute, former Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos headed home a corner kick, doubling the Hammers lead.

Leaving Arsenal to hold possession while defending their lead, the Hammers tactfully secured their victory, moving to sixth position on the EPL log.

With Thursday night’s defeat, Arsenal are now behind Liverpool with two points, having garnered 40 points in 19 games this season.