Arsenal up to second, Kluivert’s penalty hat-trick makes history
Arsenal up to second, Kluivert’s penalty hat-trick makes history . Arsenal up to second, Kluivert’s penalty hat-trick makes history
The Jamaica Observer
West Ham United defender Aaron Wan-Bissaka (on ground) challenges Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka during their English Premier League match at the London Stadium in London, England, on Saturday. (Photo: AFP)

LONDON, England (AFP) — Arsenal thrashed West Ham 5-2 on Saturday to climb up to second in the English Premier League, while Justin Kluivert scored the first-ever Premier League hat-trick of penalties in Bournemouth’s 4-2 win at Wolves.

The Gunners have struck 13 goals in a week to rekindle their form and cut the gap to runaway leaders Liverpool, who host struggling defending champions Manchester City in Sunday’s blockbuster clash, to six points.

“We are back to our best form. We look fluid and dynamic; we are all enjoying football right now,” said Bukayo Saka, who shone with a goal and two assists.

“It has been a top week for us. We have built a lot of momentum and we want to go on to the next few games.”

Arsenal scored four times before the break in a 6-0 rout at the London Stadium last season and went one better this time, as all the goals came in a manic first half.

Gabriel Magalhaes’ threat from set pieces is well-known, but the Brazilian was inexplicably not picked up to head in Saka’s corner on 10 minutes.

Saka then teed up Leandro Trossard to double the lead before he stepped aside for Martin Odegaard to score Arsenal’s third from the penalty spot.

Kai Havertz slotted in from Trossard’s pass to make 4-0 after just 36 minutes.

Another heavy home defeat increased the pressure on West Ham boss Julen Lopetegui.

The Hammers flickered into life with two goals in two minutes through Aaron Wan-Bissaka and a brilliant Emerson Palmieri free-kick.

But Saka restored the three-goal advantage from the spot after Gabriel was felled from another corner.

Kluivert made history at Molineux to curtail Wolves’ mini-revival.

There were three goals inside eight minutes as the Dutchman opened the scoring, Jorgen Strand Larsen replied for Wolves before Milos Kerkez made it 2-1 for the visitors.

Kluivert made it 3-1 just 10 minutes later and completed his hat-trick 16 minutes from time after Evanilson also set a record by winning a third penalty.

“I was not completely sure I should allow him to take the third one,” said Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.

“It is difficult, every time you shoot the first one, you give information to the keeper.”

Strand Larsen pulled another goal back for Wolves, but Gary O’Neil’s men slip back into the relegation zone.

Saturday’s results:

Brentford 4, Leicester 1

Palace 1, Newcastle 1

Forest 1, Ipswich 0

Wolves 2, Bournemouth 4

West Ham 2, Arsenal 5

Sunday’s games:

Chelsea vs Aston Villa @ 8:30 am

Man Utd vs Everton @ 8:30 am

Tottenham vs Fulham @ 8:30 am

Liverpool vs Man City @ 11:00 am
Jamaica
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https://www.jamaicaobserver.com/2024/12/01/arsenal-second-kluiverts-penalty-hat-trick-makes-history/
2024-12-01
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Arsenal up to second, Kluivert’s penalty hat-trick makes history
Arsenal up to second, Kluivert’s penalty hat-trick makes history