All top six failed to record a win except Arsenal as the Premier League moves into the second phase of the season

Unconvincing Arsenal recorded a victory over one of the top fours and gained a vital three points as none of the top fours recorded any victory. The team was able to show the sort of fighting spirit which they had been accused of over time. For West Ham, it was another London derby disappoinment. Two days ago, they played against Chelsea who was in full command of the game through out the duration. Arsene Wenger was impressed as he praised his boys for their rescilience, having played with ten men against Queen Park Rangers on Boxing Day. Lack of accuracy cost West Ham as they could not utilise their chances well to make the game very interesting.

Alex Song taking the shot that gave West Ham the first goal which the referee disallowed

Alex Song turns away showing no excitements after the goal

Song walking away from the goal  scene with team-mates Creswell and Tomkins running to embrace him before the goal was disallowed

Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczensy posted this picture on his pagebook page showing the team in a celebration mood

Alex Song had a beautifully-volleyed goal  disallowed in the opening minutes of the game because Diafra Sakho and Cheikhou Kouyate were offside. subsequently, the game was a fifty-fifty display by both sides. But in the 39th minute, Santi Cazorla was fouled in the box eighteen, and he superbly converted it from the spot. Three minutes afterwaords, Danny Welbeck made it two for Arsenal after he ran in-between two defenders to control the ball into the net from Oxlade Chamberlain"s cross from the flank. Just minutes into the second hslf, West Ham pulled one back through Cheikhou Kouyate from a set-pieces. After the goal of West Ham, Arsenal wobbled at the back, and goalkeeper Wojceich Szczesny struggled under the high ball. West Ham almost leveled up by Enner Valencia but their lack of accuracy spoilt their efforts. Arsenal could have extended their lead from the one of many chances they carved open on the counter-attack.

Santi Cazorla(cebtre) fouled by West Ham defender Winston Reid (left) in the 18 yard-box

Santi Cazorla taking the penalty that gave Arsenal the lead.

 West Ham keeper Adrian was fantastic today  as he was against Chelsea, thwarting the attempts of Sanchez, Cazorla, Oxlade Chamberlain and Welbeck. Arsenal's performance was most deserving as every player was up and doing fighting for every ball. Most deserving was Coquelin who started his first Premier League game in two years. All six defenders were on the pitch to put up a good display. "We need to be stable defensively", said Wenger."We have missed important players at the back. I felt Coquelin played well. He tired , but in the first half, he was very influential. It was a gamble but his passing was quick and sharp through", he said.

Danny Welbsck sliding in to score  the second goal for Arsenal

Danny Welbeck (second left) with Coquelin rushing to celebrate with team-mates Oxlade Chamberlain and Debuchy

Danny Welbeck looking excited after his goal

Alex song captained his team against a side he left for Barcelona in 2012 due to the absence of Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble. He played with the intention to make a apoint, and most times was seen over-elaborating. His goal was disallowed because Kouyate snd Sakho were offside. But in the second half, he was more commanding as he gave beautiful passes that almost gave them an equalizer.
 

Cheikhou Kouyate towering above Debuchy to net in West Ham only goal of the game

Cheikhou kouyate saying thank you to a team-mate for a job weldone

 Sam Allardyce men could not get a second goal after Cheikhou Kouyate's first. With this victory, Arsenal have won their nineth game against West Ham. A win at Southampton on New Year's Day will see Arsenal in the top four. "I always had belief" said Wenger. They are now 13 points behind leaders Chelsea, and hope to have Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil back by next month.

Alexis Sanchez and Alex Song fighting for the ball

Danny Welbeck during one of his numerous chances

On the other hand, leaders Chelsea recorded a draw with Southampton, while Manchester United and Manchester City also recorded a draw with Tottenham and Burnley respectively. This results shows that only Arsenal recorded a win among all the top six teams in the Barclays Premier League.