Arsenal's centre-backs got the job done to keep the Gunners on course to end a five-year absence from the Champions League. Rob Holding's header from Bukayo Saka's corner put the visitors in front at the London Stadium.
West Ham had one eye on the second leg of their Europa League semi-final against Eintracht Frankfurt in midweek, but David Moyes named a strong side and was rewarded with an equaliser before half-time from Jarrod Bowen. He volleyed past the goalkeeper with the help of a deflection off Gabriel.
The Hammers' strength from set-pieces has been one of the successes of their season. But they were undone at the back from another corner as this time Gabriel Magalhaes turned in Gabriel Martinelli's cross.
Arsenal lie fourth on 63 points, two ahead of fifth placed Tottenham on 61 points, who had gone fourth after beating Leicester 3-1 earlier on Sunday.
The battle for fourth could come down to a north London derby between Tottenham and Arsenal on May 12. But Mikel Arteta's men will hope to extend their lead to five points next weekend when they host relegation-threatened Leeds, while Spurs face a daunting trip to title-chasing Liverpool.
May 1, 2022