Ghana and Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey starred for his side on Monday evening as they recorded a come-from-behind win against West Ham to open a seven-point gap at the summit of the league.

Arsenal dominated the early exchanges of the game but was unable to break  West Ham's stoic defense with all their nine men behind the ball except Antonio.

The hammers took the lead in the first half against the run of play when Jarrod Bowen was adjudged to have been tripped in the box by William Saliba.

Said Benrahma stepped and converted the penalty through the middle as Ramsdale dived the wrong way.

There was a mood of frustration among the home fans until Bukayo Saka converted from close range after collecting Martin Odegaard's mis-hit shot.

The equaliser gave added impetus to the Gunners and another home goal looked increasingly likely.

Five minutes later, it duly arrived. Gabriel Martinelli put the hosts ahead, catching out West Ham's former Gunners keeper Lukasz Fabianski by tucking inside the near post from a tight angle when he seemed more likely to cross.

The points were sealed when Eddie Nketiah - starting in place of the injured Gabriel Jesus - spun sharply in the box before firing into the opposite bottom corner.

Arsenal extended their lead at the top over Newcastle, who moved second by beating Leicester earlier on Monday.

Reigning champions Manchester City - who go to Leeds United on Wednesday - are now eight points behind the Gunners.

West Ham is 16th and just a point above the relegation zone after their fourth league defeat in a row.

Thomas Partey  was taken  off  in added time with Egyptian Mohammed El Neny as his  replacement after an impressive showing.