Arsenal youngsters Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe scored two wonderful second-half goals to give Arsenal a pivotal 2-0 win over West Ham United in an all-London match at the Emirates. After a turbulent week at the club, this win was just what the doctor ordered for Mikel Arteta and his young team.Former Arsenal goalkeeper Lukas Fabianski saved a penalty from new Gunners’ captain Alexandre Lacazette on his return to North London, but he still couldn’t prevent his old team from claiming a much-needed victory.Second-half goals from Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe send Arsenal into the top four 🔴⚪️#ARSWHU pic.twitter.com/jPTRyfYeTG— Premier League (@premierleague) December 15, 2021 Martinelli was played in by a wonderful Lacazette forward pass and he applied a finish reminiscent of those the Gunners fans lovesd seeing from the likes of Robin Van Persie, Thierry Henry or Olivier Giroud down the years. That strike unwrapped the sticky visitors who came from East London to play for a win.The Hammers tried their best to level through Jarrod Bowen and Michal Antonio and their goalie had kept them in the game with a magnificent penalty save from captain Lacazette, who failed to add a goal to his assist.But all hopes of David Moyes’ side were crushed by an excellent late strike from Smith Rowe who confirmed the win for an Aubameyang-less Arsenal side. Arteta’s faith in his young players paid off as the Gunners celebrated this morale-boosting win.10 – 10 of @Arsenal’s 23 Premier League goals this season have been scored by players aged 21 or younger (Smith-Rowe x6, Martinelli x2, Saka x2), the most U21 goals for any team in the competition this campaign. Bright. pic.twitter.com/Qyh2DfQQTl— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 15, 2021 In other games, Crystal Palace drew with Southampton after sharing four goals in an entertaining game. Wilfried Zaha opened the scoring after just two minutes but two quick goals from Ward-Prowse and Broja turned the game around and left Patrick Vieira chasing the game. The Eagles were saved by Jordan Ayew who earned his team a point and deny the Saints a much-needed away victory.In Brighton, the Seagulls’ winless run extended to 11 games after a Romain Saiss’ goal just before the break gave Wolves a valuable 1-0 win on the south coast of England.PREMIER LEAGUE – Round 17TuesdayNorwich – Aston Villa 0- (0-1)/Ramsey 34, Watkins 87/Man.City – Leeds 7-0 (3-0)/Foden 8, Grealish 13, De Bruyne 32, 62, Mahrez 49, Stones 74, Ake 78/WednesdayCrystal Palace – Southampton 2-2 (1-2)/Zaha 2, Ayew 65 – Ward-Prowse 32, Broja 36/Brighton and Hove Albion – Wolverhampton Wanderers 0-1 (0-1)/Saiss 45+1/Arsenal – West Ham United 2-0 (0-0)/Martinelli 48, Smith Rowe 87/Thursday22.30: (2.25) Leicester (3.50) Tottenham (3.35)22.45: (1.30) Chelsea (5.80) Everton (12.0)23.00: (1.15) Liverpool (10.0) Newcastle (18.0)***odds are subjecto to change
