Toothless, yes, but who cares! Incredible Raya and Trossard push Arsenal to the brink of glory

This is what Premier League titles are made of!

Despite a sluggish display, nervousness that was beyond limits, the lack of ideas in the attacking third and the goal they conceded in the stoppage time, Arsenal have registered one of the most significant victories in the recent history of the club by topping West Ham United 1-0 on Sunday afternoon thanks to Leandro Trossard's late winner!

The Gunners are now five points ahead of Manchester City with just two games to play, while Pep Guardiola's side still has to play three games until the season ends.

Of course, it had to be crazy, super-exciting and full of controversy and drama: the EPL strugglers West Ham even scored an equaliser through Calum Wilson deep into stoppage time, but it was voided after a lengthy VAR review after their player fouled Arsenal's keeper David Raya. The Spanish custodian is an absolute co-hero of the larger-than-life victory with two unbelievable saves, which could prove absolutely crucial in this season's title race.

Bizarrely, the Gunners created more promising chances in the opening five minutes than in the rest of the game. Luckily for West Ham (and Manchester City fans), inches were not on Arsenal's side in those moments. First, Calafiori's close-range effort was blocked by Mavropanos before Hermansen cleared off Trossard's header. However, the Belgian got himself another chance a few seconds later, but this time his header hit the crossbar.

Finally, Calafiori sealed that unsuccessful streak with another shot, which went wide this time.

After almost 20 minutes of Arsenal's complete dominance, Ben White got injured, which resulted in a substitution as Martin Zubimendi moved to Declan Rice's position in the midfield, while the latter was forced to play as a right back. Alas, Arteta's plan didn't work out for the Gunners at all. The visitors lost fluidity, and ,the hosts gradually restored some semblance of balance.

Moreover, in the dying minutes of the first half, the Hammers came so close to scoring from their only chance of the match. Taty Castellanos threw himself at a cross and it would have ended in the back of the net if it weren't for the remarkable David Raya and his lovely save.

Although we expected to see some radical changes on Arsenal's side in the second half, the north Londoners lost their momentum and nervousness was almost palpable. Arteta subbed off that same Zubimendi, who previously came on for White, throwing Havertz and Odegaard into the action, to join Gyokeres, Trossard and Saka in the attack.

That didn't pour enough life into toothless title contenders, as they were with their backs to the wall at some point. Mateus Fernandes played a lovely one-two with his teammate inside Arsenal's box - it was only him and Raya left in the world, and the Spanish keeper produced another jaw-dropping save, maybe even worth a Premier League crown.

As it usually happens, the Hammers were soon put to the sword after missing such a sensational opportunity. Odegaard's smooth assist found unmarked Trossard near the penalty spot, and it was a third-time charm for the former Brighton forward. He headed it home for the ecstatic, uncontrollable celebration... But there was still enough time left on the clock for an undistilled drama, which eventually ended in Wilson's goal and the VAR review which could be labelled as one of the most decisive in the history of the football game.

What a night, what a step towards the Premier League silverware for Mikel Arteta and his boys.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 36

Saturday

Liverpool - Chelsea 1-1 (1-1)

/Gravenberch 6 - Fernandez 35/

Brighton - Wolverhampton 3-0 (2-0)

/Hinshelwood 1, Dunk 5, Minteh 86/

Fulham - Bournemouth 0-1 (0-0)

/Rayan 53/

Sunderland - Manchester United 0-0

Manchester City - Brentford 3-0 (0-0)

/Doku 60, Haaland 75, Marmoush 90+2/

Sunday

Burnley - Aston Villa 2-2 (1-1)

/Anthony 8, Flemming 58 - Barkley 42, Watkins 56/

Crystal Palace - Everton 2-2 (1-1)

/Sarr 34, Mateta 77 - Tarkowski 6, Beto 47/

Nottingham Forest - Newcastle 1-1 (0-0)

/Anderson 88 - Barnes 74/

West Ham - Arsenal 0-1 (0-0)

/Trossard 83/

Monday

22.00: (1.85) Tottenham (3.90) Leeds (4.20)

***odds are subject to change***