Webb confirmed the move after explaining why disallowing West Ham’s last-ditch equaliser against Arsenal on Sunday was the correct decision.

Callum Wilson thought he had rescued a Premier League point for the Hammers on Sunday in the fifth minute of stoppage time, only for the video assistant referee (VAR) to intervene for a foul by Pablo on Gunners goalkeeper David Raya.

The decision was controversial, giving Arsenal a 1-0 win and impacting not only the fate of the two clubs, but also Manchester City and Tottenham Hotspur at either end of the Premier League table.

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said the VAR, Darren England, had showed “a lot of courage” to rule out the goal, while West Ham manager Nuno Espirito Santo criticised a “lack of consistency” by referees.

Webb, speaking on Match Officials Mic’d Up, said the foul on Raya had to be penalised.

“Is it a foul on the goalkeeper? Categorically yes,” Webb said.

“We’ve said all season, including in pre-season briefings with the players, that if a goalkeeper is impeded by an opponent grabbing or holding their arms and therefore they can’t do their job, they’ll be penalised.

“We’re not just talking about contact with goalkeepers, we’re talking about a specific type of contact when the goalkeeper’s arms or hands are being interfered with, stopping them doing their job.

“Raya can’t do what he would normally do in that situation, simply catch the ball or punch the ball, and they intervene, and they come to the right decision.

“When you look at that in the round, that’s clearly the clear and obvious offence that needs penalising.”

The audio showed that a number of other possible fouls had been considered, including Leandro Trossard on Pablo, with the VAR team flagging them to the referee.

Webb backed the VAR team’s view by saying that “the most significant contact undoubtedly is that on the goalkeeper”.

Grappling, holding and pushing has become a theme in the Premier League this season.

Webb said that, at the end of the season, discussions will be held about how to police it.

“We consult all the time with the clubs, with the fan groups, with a range of other stakeholders about the type of game that they want to see and how they want us to officiate it,” Webb added.

“This season’s been a little bit more unique than previous ones about the number of contacts in the penalty area, and it does create a challenge for the officials.

“We’ll certainly continue consulting with all of the people I mentioned earlier about the type of game they want to see, because we have seen more involvement from set-piece coaches bringing players together in these areas, looking for those marginal gains.

“But we need to be vigilant. We need to identify those clear actions that are impactful.

“We’ve penalised more holding penalties than we did last year, but we’ve missed some as well.”

Transcript: VAR audio of West Ham’s disallowed goal

Referee (REF): Chris Kavanagh

Assistant Referee 1 (AR1): Dan Cook

VAR: Darren England

Assistant VAR (AVAR): Akil Howson

RO: Hawk-Eye replay operator

When the on-field team is able to hear the VAR discussion, the text is shown in bold.

VAR: Possible foul on keeper.

VAR: Watch has gone.

AVAR: Goal given.

AR1: I don’t see any foul on the goalkeeper.

REF: On-field decision is goal.

VAR: Checking the on-field decision of goal.

VAR: OK, let’s play it through, let’s play it through. Let’s just get a feel now.

VAR: So, the keeper there…

VAR: Then it’s just a shot. So, it’s literally just a possible foul on Raya, what I’m seeing in terms of that.

AVAR: Yeah, and to make sure he doesn’t have it in his hand.

VAR: OK, let’s get a tighter angle on the goalkeeper please.

VAR: On the Arsenal goalkeeper.

RO: Yeah.

VAR: This one. Slow it down, frame by frame.

VAR: For me, there is a foul. Potential foul with the arm.

VAR: His hand is holding his arm down. That’s impactful, for me.

VAR: The left arm there, is holding, is across the body.

VAR: He’s across the head and he’s holding the left arm of Raya, there.

VAR: Which impedes his ability to get to the ball properly.

VAR: Doesn’t look that impactful from that angle.

RO: I’ve got a pole-cam angle.

VAR: Give us pole-cam.

AVAR: It’s like, Raya…

AVAR: Because that contact we’ve got there, we’ve got…

VAR: Just keep delaying. Just checking possible foul on the goalkeeper.

AVAR: You’ve got that straight behind him as well, look.

VAR: Yeah.

RO: I’ll go back to the original angle.

VAR: Yeah.

VAR: But this happens before.

RO: Do you want to see it at full speed?

VAR: Yes please.

VAR: Is it impactful on the goalkeeper that, for me.

VAR: Go back to the second angle you showed me, the second angle.

RO: No problem, just going to look now.

AVAR: Can you do a split screen on both of them as well?

VAR: This one here, this one. Yeah, give us a split screen. That one and then the first angle.

RO: OK, goalline?

VAR: No, sorry, this one and this one, thank you.

AVAR: I don’t like Trossard not facing the ball and you’ve got…

AVAR: I agree, it’s impactful, it’s just everything else that’s going on as well.

AVAR: Let’s say we’re saying that’s a foul, then what are we saying about Trossard’s actions on the same player?

AVAR: What are we saying about Declan Rice behind?

VAR: Yeah.

VAR: He still gets a hand to the ball, doesn’t he? When he’s getting to the ball.

AVAR: What’s your initial opinion as you watched it?

VAR: I think, for me, we send him for an on-field review to look at the possible foul on the goalkeeper.

VAR: And then we get him to look at the other incidents as well. I think that’s the best decision in terms of this.

VAR: OK.

VAR: Chris (Chris Kavanagh – REF), I’m going to recommend an on-field review for a possible foul on the goalkeeper but there are some other incidents to look at while you’re at the monitor as well.

REF: OK.

VAR: So, I’m going to show you a possible foul on the goalkeeper.

RO: This angle?

REF: OK.

VAR: The left arm of Pablo comes across Raya and holds on to the left arm of Raya as he goes to win the ball.

REF: Yeah.

VAR: I’m showing you that now.

REF: I can see the clear holding on him across.

VAR: Yeah, but then I’m just going to show you some, obviously, other angles on that incident, of players.

REF: OK.

AVAR: You’ve got Declan Rice and you’ve got Trossard.

REF: I don’t know what you’re trying to show me, give me a clue.

VAR: Trossard on Pablo. Just if you look at Trossard on Pablo. Give me a better angle on that.

VAR: I’ll get you a better angle.

REF: I don’t think there’s much in that at all, I’m happy with that.

VAR: Yeah, OK.

REF: That’s nothing.

VAR: And then if you just want to consider the actions of Declan Rice on Mavropanos at the back.

VAR: But the foul happens on the goalkeeper before.

REF: Before it, so… After review, West Ham number…

VAR: 19.

REF: 19. Foul.

REF: Just confirm his number again for me.

VAR: 19.

VAR: Yeah, confirmed.

REF: Mic open.

REF: After review, West Ham number 19 commits a foul on the goalkeeper. Final decision is direct free-kick.

With The Gunners playing out the final minutes of seven added following Leandro Trossard’s 83rd-minute opener, West Ham sub Callum Wilson thought he had struck the equaliser after firing into the net from a loose ball in a packed box following a corner.

But VAR was forced to intervene after referee Chris Kavanagh initially gave the goal as the Hammers fans celebrated wildly.

With the match official ushered to the monitor, Kavanagh took a few minutes to study the footage before agreeing with the assertion that Wilson’s fellow sub Pablo had been impeding Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya from reaching the ball despite several fouls going unchecked at the same time.

It was potentially a season-defining call and one that might be the crucial moment in the title race, with Raya also providing a massive moment with a sublime point-blank save from Mateus Fernandes seconds before Trossard slammed home Martin Odegaard’s pass.

Trossard’s header also hit the bar in the first half, but his deflected winner keeps Arsenal on course for a historic Premier League and UEFA Champions League double.

They are five points clear of Manchester City and will lift the title if they defeat relegated Burnley at home next Monday and win at Crystal Palace on the final day of the season in a fortnight.

Meanwhile, Nuno Espirito Santo’s spirited West Ham remain 18th in the table, a point behind Tottenham, who host Leeds United on Monday night aiming to ease their relegation fears in moving four ahead of The Hammers following their 2-1 win at Aston Villa last weekend.

The Hammers had looked set to drop back into the relegation zone after Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall cancelled out Tomas Soucek’s opener with just two minutes of normal time remaining.

By that time, relegation rivals Tottenham were winning at Wolverhampton Wanderers – a result that, coupled with a West Ham draw, would see Spurs move out of the bottom three.

But Wilson – who had been introduced as an 81st-minute substitute – sent the London Stadium wild when he coolly slotted in.

With Spurs also winning their game, West Ham remain two points above the relegation zone. The win felt significant as the Hammers showed the battling qualities they will need in their fight against the drop.

The forward was left out of Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad earlier this week but appeared keen to impress and was rewarded for his efforts in the 68th minute, doubling his side’s lead when he prodded in the rebound after Mats Hermansen saved from Morgan Rogers.

Unai Emery’s side had earned just nine points from their previous 10 Premier League matches and their chances of a top-five finish were at risk of slipping away after three Premier League defeats.

But, buoyed by reaching the quarter-finals of the Europa League in midweek, Villa were a constant threat in a marked improvement from their recent league form.

Captain John McGinn opened the scoring with a sweet left-footed strike from the edge of the area, teed up by Jadon Sancho in a set-piece routine straight off the training ground.

That was just one of many Villa chances in the first half with Watkins also twice going close and Lucas Digne firing wide.

The hosts also had a penalty decision overturned when Konstantinos Mavropanos clipped Watkins in the area – referee Paul Tierney was sent to the monitor by the video assistant referee (VAR) and quickly changed his decision.

It was a deserved victory for a side hunting a fourth successive season of European football with the Premier League’s top five all but guaranteed a Champions League place.

Villa will enter the international break fourth in the top flight, five points clear of Liverpool in fifth, while West Ham remain 18th, one point from safety.

But Saturday evening, when Arsenal earned a dramatic late win over Everton before City were held at West Ham, felt as if it could be pivotal.

Not only because City are nine points behind the Gunners with only one game in hand, but because they looked wholly unconvincing in their draw at London Stadium.

After the game, City manager Pep Guardiola admitted he is still trying to find “balance” in his squad while talismanic striker Erling Haaland scrabbles for form.

Not the position any major team want to find themselves in, least of all after their 30th league game.

And their problems are summed up by the form of the man on whom they have so often been able to rely.

In his first 17 league games this season, Haaland scored 19 goals. In his past 12 matches, he has netted only three.

Haaland’s drop in form has coincided with the arrival of Antoine Semenyo. With the former Bournemouth winger having hit the ground running since his move in January, Guardiola has changed his system to try to get the best out of all the attacking talents at his disposal.

This has included moving to a two-man attack, a tactic Guardiola almost never used in his first 10 years at City but has deployed as the starting formation in nine of their past 11 games.

At West Ham, City lined up with Haaland and Omar Marmoush as a front two with Semenyo playing as a number 10 – and it simply did not work as they dominated possession but were shut down by the massed ranks of West Ham defenders.

City lacked any intensity in the first half, perhaps an impact of the comprehensive midweek Champions League defeat at Real Madrid – both physically and mentally.

After the break, City switched to a 4-3-3 with Semenyo and Marmoush as wingers. Early in the second half, Rayan Cherki came on as an attacking midfielder and chances flowed.

Haaland was only denied by a fine Mads Hermansen save, and City ended the game with 24 shots on goal.

But they could not find a winner, and Guardiola admitted he had got things wrong.

‘That is bad selection, you can criticise me’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Erling Haaland has scored only twice since Antoine Semenyo signed for Manchester City and Pep Guardiola started tinkering

“We changed to make the players more dynamic, with Rayan, Jeremy [Doku] and Phil [Foden],” Guardiola told his post-match news conference. “But we could not win the game.

“We could be more aggressive in the first half maybe, but with the creativity, the crosses and dribbles this season, we are struggling. The team, they did everything, but they need to be better in the final third, and it has happened in many games this season.”

Asked about picking Semenyo over Cherki as number 10, he said: “Absolutely, for that role there is no-one better than [Cherki]. That is bad selection, you can criticise me, I deserve it.

“Sometimes for the balance, we are learning. We played Cherki and Haaland – incredible, but we do not have the stability teams in the Premier League must have. I try to handle that, and the team is still growing.

“Rayan’s impact off the bench is unbelievable, but sometimes he does not have the pace so we play Semenyo. I am still finding the best way to have stability and to balance the team.”

Haaland’s form is thrown into sharp focus by the fact he struggled against West Ham, a team against whom he has scored 11 Premier League goals – more than any other side.

“It’s not about the lack of goals,” Guardiola said of the Norway striker. “We need to create more. He will be back.”

City cannot win well, and they struggle to win ugly too.

They have only lost once in their past 18 league matches, but during that period they have given up 10 points from winning positions – enough to cost them first place in the current standings.

In games where they were winning, they have drawn with Chelsea, Brighton, Tottenham, Nottingham Forest and now West Ham.

Given the latter came a couple of hours after Arsenal, starring Max Dowman, spectacularly dug out victory over Everton, this one will sting.

Guardiola laughed it off afterwards, saying he had been having a beer pre-match rather than following the Arsenal match with his team, as he served a touchline ban.

He also joked he would look to get more yellow cards as he preferred the view from the stands – and light-heartedly batted away a question on whether Haaland was limping.

It felt like if Guardiola didn’t laugh, he would cry.

‘Man City looked a bit desperate’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Pep Guardiola served the first game in a two-match touchline ban against West Ham

“That will have hurt them seeing the [Arsenal v] Everton game unfold,” former Manchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart told BBC Match of the Day.

“Man City created a lot of chances but looked a bit desperate towards the end.”

A Premier League title winner himself, Hart knows City should not and will not give up as they aim to deny Arsenal a first league title in 22 years.

“It’s so difficult but [City] have a game in hand, [and] this game at home against Arsenal. I’m not saying it will be easy to beat them but there is hope. Always, you have to be there,” he added.

For now, City will have to stew on the league table for nearly a month.

After the second leg against Real, they face the Gunners in the League Cup final next Sunday, then after the international break face Liverpool in the FA Cup quarter-finals.

City’s next league game is not until 12 April against Chelsea – then, seven days later, is the big meeting with Arsenal.

There, surely, we will learn whether City have any hope in the title race – and whether Guardiola has restored their “balance”.

Second-placed City sit seven points behind leaders Arsenal though with a game in hand – nine games remaining compared to Arsenal’s eight. The sides also meet in a potentially pivotal fixture at Etihad Stadium on 19 April.

However, Guardiola is not looking beyond this weekend, saying: “Now it’s West Ham. The Premier League is the most difficult title.

“We’re still there, knowing that if we drop points it will be over.

West Ham are battling at the other end in the table and find themselves in the relegation zone, below 17th-placed Nottingham Forest on goal difference only.

However, their results have improved lately and the Hammers have lost just one of their past five Premier League matches.

Guardiola knows Nuno Espirito Santo’s side are fighting for points, but the Spaniard said City “are desperate too”.

“I’ve always said when we arrive in the last 10 games every team plays for something – for relegation, for Europa League, for Conference League, for Champions League, to be champions. It’s normal, every game,” Guardiola said.

“Now there are no second chances.”

Guardiola did not want to dwell on Wednesday’s 3-0 defeat by Real Madrid in the Champions League last-16 before their trip to London Stadium.

“Tomorrow night, we have a game, an important one for the Premier League position. Then we have the second leg,” he said on Friday.

City, who lost in the knockout play-off round in the Champions League last season, will host Real Madrid in the return leg on Tuesday.

“It is a pleasure to be here. Last season we could not reach this stage, so it is nice,” Guardiola added.

The hosts were 3-0 up at the break thanks to goals from Hugo Ekitike, Virgil van Dijk and Alexis Mac Allister.

West Ham pulled one back early in the second half through Tomas Soucek before Cody Gakpo restored Liverpool’s three-goal lead in the 70th minute.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s side scored again through Taty Castellanos, but an Axel Disasi own goal ensured Liverpool hit five goals in a league game for the first time this season.

All three of the Reds’ first-half goals came from set-pieces – with Arne Slot’s side now leading the table in 2026 when it comes to goals from set-plays (excluding penalties).

In the fifth minute, Ryan Gravenberch teed up Ekitike, who finished smartly to beat Mads Hermansen at the near post for his 16th goal of the season.

West Ham threatened to equalise, but against the run of play Liverpool doubled their advantage when Van Dijk headed in Dominik Szoboszlai’s corner.

The visitors failed to take advantage of Liverpool’s complacency with Konstantinos Mavropanos, Jarrod Bowen and Soucek all wasting chances.

And just before half-time, Mac Allister’s superb volley took a deflection and ended in the back of the net. That was the cue for sections of the travelling support to head for the exits.

From there, Liverpool should have put the game to bed – but they struggled to exert control on proceedings.

West Ham gave themselves a lifeline early in the second half when Soucek got on the end of a delightful delivery from El Hadji Malick Diouf.

Gakpo then made up for missing a sitter when his deflected effort left Hermansen with no chance, to calm the nerves inside Anfield.

Castellanos scored West Ham’s second to give the visitors hope again, but Jeremie Frimpong’s cross was deflected in by Disasi to complete the scoring.

Liverpool move above Chelsea – who play leaders Arsenal on Sunday – into fifth, while West Ham remain 18th, two points behind Nottingham Forest.

They are at the first now. It will be 12 days until United go to Everton.

For Michael Carrick, who was only appointed on 13 January, it is a good chance for his squad to “refresh”, to allow some players to “clean up their niggles and strains” and “take a bit of a breather”.

But it is also an opportunity to reflect.

Carrick did not try and claim Benjamin Sesko’s injury-time equaliser meant their 1-1 draw at West Ham felt like an extension of his four-match winning run, rather than the end of it, which it was.

However, he did acknowledge the overall assessment of the last month has to be good.

“In the grand scheme of things, we take the point, dust ourselves down a little bit and assess it,” he said.

“If you take it over a five-game period, to just have one draw in there is a big positive.”

Carrick’s gamble pays off

Carrick’s initial victories over title challengers Manchester City and Arsenal were unexpected. The ones against Fulham and Tottenham were anticipated but did not arrive without problems that had to be solved.

Combined with the failings of Chelsea and Liverpool, the end outcome is United are fourth, with a handy, but by no means pivotal, advantage in the hunt for a Champions League return, something few could visualise in the wake of Ruben Amorim’s dismissal following the draw at Leeds on 4 January.

“We know how hard it is to put a run together in this league,” said Carrick, whose side are now unbeaten in nine league games, which spanned three managers, including initial interim Darren Fletcher.

“Sometimes it comes naturally, it flows and everything clicks. You look really dangerous and there’s a spark. Sometimes it’s a little bit stodgy.”

The question being asked of Carrick is whether his side can deliver winning performances against opposition they are expected to beat.

Many felt West Ham were in that category, even though Nuno Espirito Santo’s side were aiming for their fourth win in five league games and they had led Chelsea 2-0 in the one that got away.

Carrick did not manage a victory.

What he did do was take a risk to try and get something from a game that appeared lost.

When Manchester United drew against West Ham at Old Trafford in December, Amorim’s only substitution involving an offensive player was Mason Mount for Joshua Zirkzee, 12 minutes from time.

His last change was one defender, Lisandro Martinez, for another, Luke Shaw. Midfielder Kobbie Mainoo and young forward Shea Lacey remained on the bench.

At London Stadium, Carrick gambled. Not so much with Sesko, who replaced Matheus Cunha, who had been ineffective, a charge that could be levelled at all United’s attacking players on this occasion.

It was through his introduction of Zirkzee for full-back Diogo Dalot eight minutes from time where the risk and reward element came.

Carrick switched to a back three and pushed men forward.

He knew there was a chance of conceding a second. It didn’t happen, thanks to two superb saving tackles from another substitute, Leny Yoro, and a Senne Lammens save.

It meant as the clocked ticked past five minutes of injury-time played of the seven added, Carrick’s side still had a chance. Sesko’s brilliant finish ensured they did not head home empty handed.

“It’s always worth it to try and get something out of the game,” said Carrick of his substitution.

“We all want the perfect kind of performance, to be the best we can be.

“Sometimes it doesn’t quite happen, but it doesn’t mean you give up.

“Obviously we went for it, with three at the back and the rest all attacking basically to try and find that goal. That’s the way we should do it.”

It’s an attitude straight out of the Sir Alex Ferguson playbook. He was always prepared to gamble in order to get a desired outcome and felt it was why he enjoyed so many late successes in his stellar career.

An 87th-minute winner against Arsenal, a 90th-minute winner against Fulham, and now a 95th-minute equaliser against West Ham.

Carrick is pleased with 13 points out of 15 from his first block of games.

As he regroups before the next run of three matches, he will be just as delighted at the spirit and never-say-die attitude that helped to get them.

Enzo Fernandez’s 92nd-minute winner sparked wild scenes at Stamford Bridge to snatch victory having been 2-0 down through goals from Jarrod Bowen and Crysencio Summerville.

New manager Liam Rosenior’s substitutes had hauled Chelsea back into the game as half-time introductions Joao Pedro and Marc Cucurella both scored to level the match.

It was a blow for West Ham who dominated the first half. Bowen’s in‑swinging cross beat Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez, who was unable to claim the ball as Pablo threatened to get a touch on its way through to open the scoring.

That seventh‑minute strike came either side of two shots on target from new striker Taty Castellanos, while Summerville curled home a second goal from inside the box after a move down the right involving Bowen and Aaron Wan‑Bissaka.

Cole Palmer’s 30-yard free-kick was Chelsea’s only shot on target in a dismal first half.

The hosts were booed off at half-time and Rosenior made three changes. He removed the struggling left‑side trio of Jorrel Hato, Benoit Badiashile and Alejandro Garnacho – at fault for both first-half goals – bringing on Joao Pedro, Cucurella and Wesley Fofana.

After West Ham efforts from Matheus Fernandes and Bowen were saved early in the second half, Chelsea began to dominate.

Pressure built as Liam Delap went close and a long‑range Moises Caicedo long-range strike was pushed away, before Fofana’s deep cross was headed in by Joao Pedro to pull a goal back in the 57th minute.

Thirteen minutes later, Cucurella – one of Rosenior’s changes – produced a diving header to equalise after Malo Gusto’s header across goal caused a goalmouth scramble.

With the crowd now behind them Chelsea pushed for a third, and while West Ham’s Jean-Clair Todibo hit the post in the 86th minute, Fernandez pounced to finish Joao Pedro’s cross from close range for the winner.

Todibo was sent off for grabbing Joao Pedro by the neck in a melee at the end of the match after a lengthy video assistant referee (VAR) check, as emotional scenes boiled over.

The result lifts Chelsea above Manchester United into fourth place in the Premier League, while West Ham remain five points below Nottingham Forest. United and Forest play tomorrow and both have a game in hand.

Cristian Romero’s header looked to have earned Spurs a point until substitute Wilson bundled home from a corner to end the Hammers’ 10-match winless run in the league.

It sparked angry scenes among the home supporters though as they turned on Frank with chants of “sacked in the morning”, while the final whistle was greeted with a storm of booing aimed at the head coach and his players.

Spurs, with Conor Gallagher making his debut after a £35m move from Atletico Madrid, needed a fast start to banish the mood of unease around the stadium – instead it was West Ham United who struck first through the dangerous Crysencio Summerville, who saw his shot deflect in off Micky van de Ven after 15 minutes.

Frank’s disappointment worsened as defender Ben Davies was immediately taken off on a stretcher after his challenge on West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen in the build-up to the goal.

As the discontent of Spurs fans increased, West Ham wasted a glorious chance to double their lead when Taty Castellanos headed over from a corner with the goal at his mercy.

Spurs departed to a hostile reception at half-time but, as they have on several occasions this season, raised their game after the break.

The introduction of Yves Bissouma for the first time this season enlivened Spurs and their pressure was rewarded after 64 minutes when Romero rose highest to power home Pedro Porro’s cross.

Spurs pressed for a winner, with keeper Alphonse Areola making a fine save from Xavi Simons, but Wilson’s introduction delivered the final dramatic twist in the tale.

City are one point clear of Arsenal, but Mikel Arteta’s side can reclaim top spot later on Saturday if they win at Everton (kick-off 20:00 GMT).

Nuno Espirito Santo’s West Ham needed a positive start to take anything from their game at Etihad Stadium, but that went out of the window inside five minutes when Haaland converted at the second attempt after his initial effort was saved by Alphonse Areola.

The Hammers were cut open all too easily and, shortly after scoring, Norway striker Haaland somehow sent a free header wide from close range, while Tijjani Reijnders forced Areola into a sharp save low down.

The Dutch midfielder did get on the scoresheet seven minutes before half-time, collecting Haaland’s pass before jinking forward and hammering a finish into the roof of the net.

West Ham tried to claw something back in the second half, but Jarrod Bowen could only find the side netting from an acute angle and dragged another shot wide.

Haaland’s second goal then ensured a joyless Christmas for the Hammers who are anchored inside the relegation zone.

The England midfielder, who had made it 2-2 five minutes in the second half, hammered an unstoppable shot into the top corner with 11 minutes left to put the visitors ahead for the first time in a topsy-turvy encounter.

Struggling West Ham, who were searching for their first victory since 8 November, were gifted an opener after just 29 seconds when Mateus Fernandes dispossessed Ezri Konsa on the edge of the penalty area before beating Marco Bizot with a powerful drive into the top corner from a tight angle.

Konstantinos Mavropanos inadvertently headed John McGinn’s inswinging cross into his own net, while under pressure from Ollie Watkins, to draw Villa level in the ninth minute.

But Nuno Espirito Santo’s side restored their advantage when Jarrod Bowen diverted Freddie Potts’ volley past Bizot to give the Hammers a 2-1 half-time lead.

Unai Emery’s team managed only one shot before the interval, but they restored parity for the second time when Rogers found the bottom corner after West Ham had failed to clear Youri Tielemans’ low cross.

Bowen then had a low, left-footed strike disallowed for offside, before Rogers struck again superbly to move third-placed Villa to within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal.

West Ham, meanwhile, remain in the relegation zone and could find themselves five points adrift of safety if Leeds beat Brentford in Sunday’s late game.

Jacob Murphy had given Newcastle the lead with an effort from the edge of the area in the opening stages – just seconds after West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen hit the post at the other end.

But West Ham rallied and the hosts’ eventually got their rewards when Lucas Paqueta lashed home an equaliser from outside the box.

West Ham then took the lead just before half-time when the sliding Sven Botman turned Aaron Wan-Bissaka’s cross into his own net.

Nuno Espirito Santo’s team went on to score a third in stoppage time when substitute Tomas Soucek tapped in the rebound after Pope had denied Bowen.

It was the least West Ham deserved following a committed display by the hosts, who earlier had a penalty award overturned after a video assistant referee (VAR) review.

Referee Robert Jones changed his mind after consulting his pitchside monitor, with the television footage showing Newcastle defender Malick Thiaw touching the ball before making contact with Bowen inside the area.

But not only did West Ham go on to find a way back into the game – they won it.

The Hammers remain in the relegation zone but are now three points behind 17th-placed Burnley following a first league win under Nuno since he took charge in September.

Newcastle, meanwhile, have not triumphed on the road in the Premier League in seven months.

Arsenal have had an excellent start to the season losing just one game and Arteta looked to ensure that continued with his attacking selection.

The Arsenal manager named a midfield three of Rice, Martin Odegaard and Eberechi Eze as he utilised the options in his squad after a £250m spend in the summer.

However, that trio did not last long with Odegaard having to go off with an injury, the third Premier League home game in a row that he has been withdrawn early.

Rice was then pushed into a more advanced role as Martin Zubimendi was brought on and the former West Ham midfielder was on hand to finish smartly after Eze’s shot was pushed back into the area by Alphonse Areola.

Arsenal dominated the majority of the game with West Ham restricted to speculative efforts whenever they got the rare chance to attack.

The Gunners sealed the win in the second half when Jurrien Timber was brought down by El Hadji Malick Diouf and Saka slotted the penalty confidently into the corner.

It was a great way for Saka to mark his 200th Premier League appearance and means that his impressive record now stands at 55 goals and 45 assists.

The win moves Arsenal to the top of the Premier League, supplanting Liverpool prior to their match against Chelsea later on Saturday.

Nuno, 51, has signed a three-year contract with the Hammers and will take charge of his first match on Monday away at Everton in the Premier League.

Potter was dismissed on Saturday morning after only eight months in charge, with the club 19th in the table.

Nuno joins West Ham after being sacked on 9 September by Forest, who he guided to seventh in the Premier League last season – their highest finish since 1994-95.

“I am very pleased to be here and very proud to be representing West Ham United,” he said.

“My objective is to work hard to get the very best from the team and ensure that we are as competitive as we possibly can be. The work has already started and I am looking forward to the challenge that is ahead.”

Nuno joins West Ham shortly after a 21-month stint at the City Ground, where he was sacked only three games into this season.

He took his first training session in east London on Saturday afternoon before the club’s match at Everton on Monday.

West Ham said Nuno will be assisted in the interim by academy coaches Mark Robson, Steve Potts, Gerard Prenderville and Billy Lepine, with a further announcement on his coaching and backroom staff to be made in due course.

The Hammers took only three points from their opening five league games this season under Potter.

After dismissing the 50-year-old, West Ham said they believed “a change is necessary in order to help improve the team’s position in the Premier League as soon as possible”.

They added: “Results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025-26 season have not matched expectations.”

In a statement via the League Managers Association, Potter said: “I am incredibly disappointed to be leaving West Ham, particularly without being able to achieve what we set out to achieve at the start of our journey in east London.

“I do, however, fully acknowledge that the results have just not been good enough up to now.”

Nuno is expected to be in place before Monday’s Premier League match against Everton, having said he has had positive talks with the West Ham board.

Potter was dismissed on Saturday morning after only eight months in charge, with the club 19th in the table.

The Hammers took only three points from their opening five league games this season under Potter.

West Ham said they believed “a change is necessary in order to help improve the team’s position in the Premier League as soon as possible”.

They added: “Results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025-26 season have not matched expectations.”

In a statement via the League Managers Association, Potter said: “I am incredibly disappointed to be leaving West Ham, particularly without being able to achieve what we set out to achieve at the start of our journey in East London.

“I do, however, fully acknowledge that the results have just not been good enough up to now.”

Potter, 50, had been preparing for Monday’s game and fulfilled his media duties on Friday, saying he believed he had the board’s backing after “positive talks”.

After last Saturday’s home defeat by Crystal Palace, BBC Sport reported that West Ham were considering managerial alternatives, and discussions with Nuno have accelerated over the past 72 hours.

Nuno, 51, was sacked after 21 months in charge at Forest – and only three games into this season.

Last term the Portuguese guided them to seventh in the table – their highest finish since 1994-95 – as they qualified for Europe for the first time in three decades.

Potter took charge of 25 West Ham matches after being appointed in January – winning six – and they finished 14th last season.

“The board would like to thank Graham and his coaching staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future,” West Ham said.

“The process of appointing a replacement is under way. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”

Former Wales captain Ashley Williams told BBC’s Football Focus: “For the West Ham fans and the club, they want to see a hard-working team and a bit more bravery in possession.

“Under Potter, it was flat – there was nothing for the fans to get behind. Nuno can galvanise the club and he is the perfect person of the available managers to put in there.

“West Ham have been so easy to play against. You only have to get out of second gear to beat them.

“Nuno will organise his team and figure out what players he wants and what players he can work with.”

What went wrong for Potter?

The 2-1 defeat by Palace was West Ham’s fifth in six league and cup games this season.

Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui, who was sacked in January after six months in charge when West Ham were 14th in the table.

But former Chelsea and Brighton boss Potter found wins difficult to come by.

West Ham, who sold Ghana forward Mohammed Kudus to Tottenham for £55m in July, spent £126m on eight signings in the summer, including the £38m purchase of Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes from Southampton.

But losses to Sunderland, Chelsea, Tottenham and Palace left them in the bottom three. They went out of the Carabao Cup in the second round with a 3-2 defeat by fellow strugglers Wolves.

That led to West Ham issuing a statement acknowledging “results and performances on the pitch over the past two seasons have not met the standards we set for ourselves”.

Disgruntled fans staged a demonstration against the board before the Palace match.

Poor results led to Potter becoming a viral trend on social media, with people using AI technology to swap his face on to other celebrities, including Barbie, US President Donald Trump and the Chuckle Brothers.

Speaking on Friday, Potter said he had not been taking it too seriously.

“It made my 15-year-old son laugh a lot, so you have to accept what comes with it,” he said.

“At times [that is] ridicule, but that is just the environment we are in and it is what it is.”

West Ham’s fortunes have declined since David Moyes’ departure a year after he won the club’s first trophy in 43 years in the Europa Conference League in 2023.

Potter’s arrival was supposed to herald a new brand of attractive football but the downward spiral has continued into this campaign.

The Hammers have picked up only three points from their opening five Premier League games.

The east London club said they “believe that a change is necessary in order to help improve the team’s position in the Premier League as soon as possible”.

They added: “Results and performances over the course of the second half of last season and the start of the 2025-26 season have not matched expectations.”

Potter, 50, had been preparing for Monday night’s game at Everton and fulfilled his media duties on Friday.

After last Saturday’s home defeat by Crystal Palace, BBC Sport reported the club were considering managerial alternatives.

Nuno Espirito Santo, recently sacked by Nottingham Forest, is understood to be an early favourite for the job.

Potter took charge of 25 matches since being appointed in January – winning just six times – while they finished last season in 14th place in the league.

“The board would like to thank Graham and his coaching staff for their hard work during their time with the Hammers and wish them every success for the future,” the club added.

“The process of appointing a replacement is under way. The club will be making no further comment at this time.”

The Ghanaian forward joined Spurs from West Ham during the summer transfer window, a move that has infuriated many Hammers supporters. Some have labelled him a “Judas,” while others were seen burning his jersey in protest.

Addressing the media at his pre-match press conference on Friday, Frank admitted he does not expect Kudus to be welcomed warmly.

“You don’t think they will applaud him? Maybe not,” Frank remarked with a smile. “I’m pretty sure players and myself hear the extra noise, but then you get into your zone. I’m sure it will be the same for Kudus and anyone in a hostile atmosphere.”

The Spurs boss, however, urged the 24-year-old to stay calm and keep his focus on the pitch as Tottenham look to recover from last weekend’s defeat to AFC Bournemouth.

“The thing he should do is focus on his game. That is what you can control,” he added.

Kudus was a key figure during his time at West Ham, scoring 19 goals and providing 13 assists in 80 appearances before his controversial switch to North London.

Speaking to talkSPORT, Brady pointed to financial constraints and Kudus’ dip in form last season as major factors behind the transfer.

“The financial restraints and the PSR and all the rules and regulations in football mean that you have to do some trading. That’s just the way it is. All clubs are having to do it… so that was the decision made. [Kudus] didn’t particularly have a good season for West Ham last year by his own standards. So we looked to move on,” she explained.

Kudus, who was named West Ham’s second-best player in his debut campaign, struggled to replicate his form in his second season, registering just three assists in 32 league appearances before sealing the switch.

The 22-year-old has since made a bright start at Spurs, providing two assists on his Premier League debut in their 3-0 victory over Burnley.

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The 24-year-old attacking midfielder has signed a six-year contract with the North London club in a deal reportedly worth £55 million, making him the most expensive Ghanaian footballer in history, surpassing Arsenal’s Thomas Partey.

Following the announcement of his transfer, Kudus took to social media to express his gratitude to the Hammers and their supporters.

“Pleasure to be a Hammer running life’s marathon. Thank you for the warm seat through it all. Best wishes for the season and the future,” Kudus wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

Pleasure to be a hammer running life’s Marathon. Thank you for the warm seat through it all. Best wishes for the season & the future. @WestHam . #TMC🏁 #kudusdream pic.twitter.com/DPoFT8fgpv

— Mo Kuku (@KudusMohammedGH) July 12, 2025

Kudus joined West Ham from Ajax and spent two seasons at the London Stadium, where he made 80 appearances, scored 19 goals, and provided 13 assists.

His performances were instrumental in the club’s success, including their UEFA Europa League triumph.

Now set to begin a new chapter with Spurs, Kudus is expected to bring creativity, pace, and attacking depth to Thomas Frank’s side as they prepare to compete on multiple fronts in the upcoming campaign.

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The 23-year-old has signed a six-year contract with the North London outfit, marking the end of his two-year stint at the London Stadium.

Kudus joined West Ham in August 2023 and made his Premier League debut the following month. He made an instant impact on the European stage, scoring twice on his full debut in the UEFA Europa League.

His performances quickly earned recognition, including a nomination for the Premier League Player of the Month award in December.

In his debut season in England, Kudus impressed with 14 goals and nine assists across all competitions. He featured 80 times for the Hammers over two seasons, scoring 19 goals.

At Tottenham, Kudus will wear the No. 20 jersey as he looks to bolster Ange Postecoglou’s attacking options ahead of the new campaign.

• Dr Bawumia reacts to Mohammed Kudus’ move to Tottenham Hotspur
• Tottenham agree £55m deal to sign Mohammed Kudus from West Ham

At the time, much of the internal discussion centred around the future of Ange Postecoglou. But with the club’s trophy drought finally over, Levy had resolved to push the squad further.

Six weeks later, Spurs secured the signature of Mohammed Kudus.

Now under new head coach Thomas Frank, Spurs are eager to showcase their ruthlessness and ambition—two key factors that helped lure Kudus across London from rivals West Ham United. As details begin to emerge, the move is being hailed as one of the most significant deals of the 2025 summer transfer window.

A Turning Point

In a Flashscore Insider article published on June 25, it was revealed that Kudus and West Ham had differing goals regarding his future. The Ghanaian international was intent on joining a Champions League club, while West Ham sought a deal that would bring in significant funds to ease financial strain.

The day after that article was published, Tottenham made their move—attempting to make amends for missing out on previous targets like Antoine Semenyo, Bryan Mbeumo, and Eberechi Eze.

Among fans, there was growing concern that Spurs were lacking urgency in the transfer market. High-profile targets such as Christian Nørgaard, Roony Bardghji, Rayan Cherki, Angel Gomes, and Johnny Cardoso had all opted for moves elsewhere, despite reported interest from Spurs.

The signing of Kudus signals a shift in momentum—an act of intent designed to restore belief and inject fresh optimism into the fanbase.

Spurs’ New Star

Although Kudus had an £85 million release clause in his contract, Spurs will pay £55 million for his services—an astute piece of business by the club.

Chelsea had previously submitted an early-season offer for Kudus, involving a player-swap deal that was ultimately turned down. They were reportedly considering a fresh approach this month. However, Kudus was swayed by Tottenham’s vision, ambition, and the assurance that he would be a central figure in the project.

Privately, there were concerns that Chelsea could not offer the same guaranteed playing time, role, or spotlight.

With Kudus on board, Tottenham believe they can compete seriously for more silverware, including the Premier League and the Champions League. The 24-year-old had previously rejected a big-money offer from Saudi Arabia, while potential moves to Bayern Munich, Arsenal, and Newcastle United failed to materialise despite some contact.

Kudus had made a personal vow to be playing at the highest level by the start of the new season. After a year of frustration at West Ham, Tottenham quickly convinced him of their long-term project.

Though West Ham harboured doubts about Spurs’ approach to the deal, Daniel Levy understood that Kudus was eager to leave. He also suspected that West Ham were under pressure to finalise the transfer early to begin their own rebuild under new manager Graham Potter.

Eyes on the Super Cup

Spurs are confident that Kudus could help elevate them into the ranks of English football’s elite. More signings are expected to follow.

Kudus himself is determined to become Tottenham’s talisman, with his potential debut likely coming in the European Super Cup final against Paris Saint-Germain.

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Tottenham has reportedly reached an agreement with West Ham United for the Ghanaian international in a deal worth £55 million.

Kudus is expected to undergo a medical in the coming days before signing a six-year contract with the North London club.

Reacting to the news on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Dr. Bawumia—an avid Tottenham supporter—shared his excitement about the transfer.

“I am excited to see our Ghanaian starboy make this move to my Spurs. All the best in your medical, Mohammed Kudus,” he posted.

Kudus joined West Ham United in 2023 from Dutch side Ajax in a £38 million deal and enjoyed an impressive debut season. He scored eight goals and provided nine assists across all competitions. In the Premier League, he made 35 appearances, netting five goals and delivering four assists.

The 24-year-old’s contract with West Ham runs until 2028 and includes a release clause which was activated earlier this month—£80 million for non-English clubs, £85 million for domestic rivals, and £120 million for Saudi Arabian teams.

As Spurs prepare for a return to Champions League football, Kudus’ pedigree in European competitions, particularly during his time at Ajax, is expected to bolster their ambitions.

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The 24-year-old is set to undergo a medical on Thursday before signing a six-year contract with the north London club.

Sources close to the player indicate that Kudus had made Spurs his preferred destination should he leave West Ham this summer.

With personal terms already agreed, the transfer is expected to be finalised swiftly.

Kudus, who joined the Hammers from Ajax for €41.5 million in 2023, is under contract until 2028. His current deal includes a buyout clause triggered only during the first 10 days of July: £80 million for clubs outside England, £85 million for Premier League sides, and £120 million for Saudi Arabian teams.

In the 2024/25 Premier League season, Kudus scored five goals and provided four assists in 35 appearances. That followed an impressive debut campaign in which he tallied eight goals and nine assists across all competitions.

If completed, the transfer would be the first direct deal between the two London rivals since Scott Parker moved from West Ham to Tottenham in 2011.

Chelsea and Newcastle were also monitoring Kudus earlier in the window but have been beaten to the punch by Ange Postecoglou’s side.

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Kudus, who scored 19 goals in 80 appearances during his first two seasons with West Ham United, has emerged as a top target for Tottenham Hotspur in the ongoing summer transfer window.

Despite interest from Chelsea and clubs in the Saudi Pro League, reports indicate the 24-year-old is keen on a move to Spurs, particularly due to his desire to play European football next season.

However, West Ham have turned down Tottenham’s initial £50 million offer, as the Hammers look to maximize the value of one of their most marketable players.

Speaking to 3Sports, Sannie Daara emphasized Kudus’s quality and ability to make an immediate impact wherever he goes.

“There is no team that Mohammed Kudus will go to and be on the bench,” he told 3Sports.

“Kudus is more talented than Bukayo Saka,” he added.

Kudus’s release clause stands at £85 million for Premier League clubs, valid within the first 10 days of July.

For European suitors, the clause is slightly reduced to £80 million, while Saudi Arabian clubs would be required to pay up to £120 million to land the former Ajax man.

As West Ham prepare for a potential summer reshuffle, the club is expected to sanction Kudus’s departure before making any major signings.

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The bid was worth £50million ($68m) and has been turned down but club-to-club talks continue.

Kudus is prioritising Spurs if he leaves West Ham and personal terms for the 24-year-old Ghana international are not expected to be an issue.

The Athletic reported in June that Kudus’ contract, which runs until 2028, has a buyout clause that is only active for the first 10 days of July, valued at £80million ($108m) for European clubs, £85m for Premier League sides and £120m for Saudi Arabian teams.

The forward has remained on Chelsea’s radar after they stalled on completing a deal to bring him to Stamford Bridge from Ajax in 2023, before West Ham sealed his signature.

West Ham signed Kudus for a fee of €41.5million (£35.6m, $48.8m) plus €3m (£2.5m) in add-ons in August 2023, and he immediately became a key part of David Moyes’ side, recording 18 goals and 10 assists in 48 appearances during his first season.

Utilised in multiple positions across West Ham’s frontline, Kudus had a less fruitful 2024-25 campaign, scoring five goals and assisting four in 35 appearances as his side finished 14th in the Premier League.

Before joining West Ham, Kudus scored 27 goals in 87 appearances for Ajax, helping the club to consecutive Eredivisie titles in 2021 and 2022.

Spurs have been keen to add a forward to their squad during the summer, despite being bolstered by the permanent addition of Mathys Tel from Bayern Munich for €35m, plus €10m in potential bonuses following his loan spell at the club last season.

The north London club hoped to persuade Bryan Mbeumo to join new head coach Thomas Frank in joining from Brentford, but the forward has informed Spurs he favours a move to Manchester United. Meanwhile, The Athletic reported Spurs made an enquiry over Bournemouth attacker Antoine Semenyo, who has since signed a new contract on the south coast.

The Ghana international has emerged as a top target for the Blues, who are looking to strengthen their squad ahead of the new season.

However, they face competition from fellow Premier League side Tottenham Hotspur, who have also shown strong interest in the former Ajax attacker.

Spurs are said to have already submitted a bid, which West Ham turned down. Chelsea, however, are expected to go a step further by proposing a package worth £60 million — an initial £55 million plus an additional £5 million in add-ons.

Kudus, 23, joined West Ham from Ajax in 2023 for £38 million and has since made 80 appearances, scoring 19 goals across all competitions.

His performances have attracted praise from across Europe, with many viewing Chelsea as a fitting environment for his continued development.

Following Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup on Saturday, manager Enzo Maresca spoke highly of Kudus’ talent, though he remained cautious.

“He’s a West Ham player, so I can’t say much. The only thing I can say is that I’ve known Kudus since his time at Ajax,” Maresca said.

West Ham are reportedly holding out for at least £60 million before considering any sale of the versatile forward.

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The 24-year-old West Ham United star has attracted interest from several top clubs, including Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur, during the current transfer window.

Reports suggest Kudus could be on his way out of the London Stadium, just a year after joining from Dutch giants Ajax.

Speaking after Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Palmeiras in the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals, Maresca stopped short of confirming the Blues’ interest but made no secret of his admiration for the player.

“He’s a West Ham player, so I can’t say much. The only thing I can say is that I’ve known Kudus since his time at Ajax,” the Italian manager said.

Kudus joined West Ham in 2023 for a reported fee of £38 million.

The Hammers are reportedly demanding at least £60 million for any potential sale of the dynamic forward, who has scored 19 goals in 80 appearances since arriving in East London.

Kudus, who joined West Ham in August 2023 on a five-year deal with an option for a further year, has been heavily linked with moves to Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur in recent weeks.

Speaking to Football Insider, Brown suggested that despite Kudus’ talent, a transfer is on the horizon.

“It looks like Kudus will be leaving West Ham,” he said. “There’s been plenty of interest in him, but clubs won’t pay £80 million. They’ll negotiate a lower fee, which West Ham might accept since it’s still a significant amount.”

Brown, who also served as a long-time scout for Manchester United, acknowledged Kudus’ potential but raised concerns about his consistency.

“Honestly, I have concerns about his consistency—he didn’t have the best season. But these clubs believe they can unlock his potential.”

He confirmed Chelsea’s interest, noting that the Blues, under new manager Enzo Maresca, are keen to bolster their squad.

“Chelsea are among the latest to pursue him, and Tottenham are also in talks. Chelsea seem willing to spend heavily. With Joao Pedro signed and Jamie Gittens targeted, they’re not stopping there.

“Kudus has fans at Stamford Bridge who want more attacking options. So, despite my reservations, clubs are eager to sign him, recognizing his obvious talent if used well.”

Kudus impressed in his debut Premier League season, scoring 14 goals and providing six assists across all competitions. However, his performance dipped last season, managing just five goals.

The 24-year-old is currently on holiday in Ghana.

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Kudus has been identified as a primary target by Spurs, who are believed to be optimistic they can clinch a deal for well below his £85 million release clause that is said to run for the first 10 days of July.

Tottenham had shown an interest in Bryan Mbeumo, Antoine Semenyo and Eberechi Eze, but it is Kudus who sources believe is currently the most likely signing to bolster the attacking options of new head coach Thomas Frank.

West Ham are willing to sell 24-year-old Kudus to help finance a summer rebuild under head coach Graham Potter and the player is believed to be open to the prospect of a move across London.

Joining Spurs would make Kudus the first player to move directly from West Ham since midfielder Scott Parker in 2011.

Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy blocked Emmanuel Adebayor from joining the Hammers four years later and the clubs have not done business since the Parker deal.

Chelsea had shown an interest in Kudus, but the Stamford Bridge club are completing the signings of winger Jamie Gittens and forward Joao Pedro.

Kudus, a Ghana international, would give Spurs Premier League and Champions League experience, and his ability to play across the forward positions behind a striker would give Frank plenty of options.

Tottenham are yet to make an offer for Kudus, and the club will need to help fund signings by selling players this summer, while there is also the possibility of fresh investment from owners Enic or from outside the club.

The future of central defender Cristian Romero remains uncertain, but Spurs sources denied reports that a fee has been agreed for the Argentine with Spanish club Atletico Madrid.

Romero took a swipe at the running of the club this summer and it remains to be seen if he can be convinced to stay, with the defender due back for pre-season training in the second week of July.

Kudus joined West Ham for almost £40 million from Ajax two summers ago and scored 14 goals in all competitions in his first season in England.

He was less productive last season, scoring only five times, in a West Ham team that struggled in the Premier League.

Moving to Tottenham could make Kudus an unpopular figure at West Ham, who have not sold a player directly to their rivals since Parker.

The 23-year-old, who joined West Ham from Ajax two seasons ago, has quickly become one of the Premier League’s most exciting attacking talents, attracting attention from multiple clubs.

As Chelsea gears up for the FIFA Club World Cup and the 2025/26 season, the Blues are actively considering the chance to bolster their forward options with Kudus.

While no official move has been made yet, the West London club is weighing the proposal seriously.

Kudus, who is under contract at West Ham until 2028 with an option for an additional year, has a tiered release clause structure: £80 million for European clubs, £85 million for Premier League sides, and £120 million for Saudi Arabian teams.

Among the interested parties, Saudi Pro League outfit Al-Nassr have shown the strongest intent.

As discussions evolve, West Ham have reportedly expressed interest in two Chelsea players—goalkeeper Robert Sánchez and midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

Sánchez, a Spanish international, previously worked with Hammers manager Graham Potter at Brighton and could be allowed to leave if Chelsea secure a new first-choice goalkeeper.

Chelsea’s top target in goal is AC Milan’s Mike Maignan. The French international, whose contract runs out next summer, is said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and has declined to extend his deal with the Serie A club.

This leaves Milan facing the prospect of losing their No.1 for free in 2026.

Chelsea are expected to accelerate negotiations in the coming days, with hopes of finalising a deal for Maignan ahead of their Club World Cup campaign in the United States.

After a stellar debut season in which the Ghanaian attacker scored 14 goals, registered seven assists, and played a vital role in the Hammers’ Europa League journey, the 24-year-old has struggled to replicate that form this term.

With just one game left in the season, Kudus has managed only four goals and three assists across all competitions.

Speaking on Sky Sports, Carragher highlighted Kudus’ drop-off as a key reason behind the club’s poor showing in the Premier League.

“Well, I see there’s no doubt he’s a quality player who should be playing for a team closer to the top of the table, not near the bottom. But probably one of the reasons why West Ham are where they are this season is because he hasn’t shown the form that he showed last season,” he said.

“Last season, he looked fantastic; he just hasn’t looked the same player this season,” Carragher added.

Carragher also hinted that Kudus could be on the move this summer, especially considering West Ham’s financial situation and the midfielder’s continued appeal to elite European clubs.

“So, I wouldn’t be surprised if there was a change there in some way, because, as you said, West Ham need the money. But other clubs might think this is an off-season for him.

“Last season was the real cue to say you can get that type of player; maybe it’s a good sign. So it might be the type of situation that maybe works for the two clubs,” he added.

West Ham will round off their campaign on Sunday with a trip to Portman Road, where they’ll face already-relegated Ipswich Town.

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West Ham striker Michail Antonio’s near-death experience has changed him, compelling him to engage with a recovery process containing mental and physical obstacles.

The 35-year-old was involved in a car crash almost six months ago that resulted in him spending over three weeks in hospital with a broken leg, facing a gruelling journey back to fitness.

He is now up and walking, continuing his rehabilitation programme, after shattering a thigh bone when his Ferrari skidded off the road and struck a tree in Epping Forest.

The Jamaica international had been on his way home from training.

Antonio is looking back in an effort to move forward. He spent time with BBC One’s Morning Live, retracing moments that not only threatened his career but his life, and met those who responded to emergency calls on 7 December.

“I want to say thank you,” he told Essex and Herts Air Ambulance paramedics Rob Moon and Dr James Moloney, “because obviously I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for you guys.

“You saved my life, so you guys are basically my heroes.”

‘We immediately knew who you were’

Antonio, who previously explained he has no memory of the accident, crashed and was trapped in his car. He was freed by crew from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service who left him in the care of ambulance staff.

West Ham, in an initial announcement about the crash, said their “thoughts and prayers” were with Antonio.

The seriousness of the accident is not lost on the former Nottingham Forest player.

He said of the paramedics: “I don’t remember their faces at all. It’s crazy because of how important you guys were to me.”

Moon explained how he and Dr Moloney knew who they were treating: “There was one clue – there was a West Ham shirt in the passenger seat with Antonio on it.”

Antonio asked if he was speaking after the incident, and Moloney told him: “Yes, you were incredibly repetitive, but that happens when people bump their head.

“We kept asking about your football, who your manager was, whether you are enjoying your football. From our point of view, you were talking which was really reassuring for us.”

The paramedics explained Antonio was discovered on the back seat of the car and “quickly assessed” to have had fractured his femur.

He was given pain relief, strapped to a board and put in an ambulance to shield him from the cold and rain.

The crash came as Storm Darragh battered the UK.

Meetings with paramedics are offered after life-threatening incidents to help patients rationalise what happened to them.

Antonio was able to ask questions, including querying whether he was taken to hospital by air ambulance.

Moloney clarified: “Whenever we can, we fly to hospital because it is quicker, but on the day the pilot quite rightly said no [because of the storm].”

Antonio was driven to the Royal London Hospital in Whitechapel.

In a previous interview with Morning Live in March, Antonio said: “I’ve always been a fan of sports cars, but I can’t lie to you, sports cars are not my friends. So right now, I have a Mercedes people carrier and my brother is my driver.

“For now, anyway, I’m staying far away from sports cars.”

Image source BBC One

Image caption: Michail Antonio met the paramedics that saved his life on BBC One’s Morning Live

‘Family probably experienced it more than I did’

Antonio also met Trish Burton, a member of the patient and family team for the air ambulance, and told her how his loved ones “probably experienced the incident more than I did”.

“They’ve gone to the hospital, they’ve come to see me, they’ve seen how I was. I don’t remember my face being cut or anything… and going down for surgery the next day, I don’t remember doing that,” Antonio said.

“But they were all in the hospital, they have those memories, they lived it whereas I didn’t live it as much as them.”

Antonio has previously explained he “almost wasn’t there” for his children and how the crash affected his 13-year-old eldest in particular.

Image source: BBC One

Image caption: Michail Antonio met Trish Burton of the Air Ambulance team

Antonio talks trauma with Carlisle

Image source: BBC One

Image caption: Michail Antonio spent time with Carlisle to discuss mental health challenges in football

Antonio said earlier this year it was “horrendous” for him to see a change of manager at West Ham during his lay-off, as Graham Potter replaced Julen Lopetegui.

His contract expires in June and because of injury he has had no opportunity to impress Potter on the pitch, which Antonio said has affected his mental health.

Antonio has been a public advocate for therapy since talking to the High Performance Podcast in May 2024. Past counselling sessions have helped to equip him for his latest setback.

Antonio met with former Leeds, QPR and Burnley defender Clarke Carlisle, who explained how a serious knee injury in 2001 led him to alcoholism and how he made three suicide attempts between 2003 and 2017.

Carlisle said: “The first time when adverse mental health came into my consciousness was in 2003 because I went into alcohol rehab. It is interesting timing because I got a knee injury in 2001 at QPR, which kept me out for two years.

“I was told I was going to walk with a stick and never play again at 21 after I had just broken into the England Under-21s.

“Even though that had happened in my life, and the club knew about it, we didn’t treat it like a mental health thing that needed addressing. I didn’t do anything about it until 2010 until I was officially diagnosed with depression.

“It took two further suicide attempts in 2014 and 2017 for me to actually take action on my mental health.”

Carlisle said he had been raised with the message that “you do not talk about our business outside this house”.

He added: “I didn’t want to engage with any of the resources out there but that’s changing now.”

Antonio has previously explained he used to “push down” his emotions and could not celebrate West Ham’s Uefa Conference League success in 2023 because of his mental health struggles.

“When I was talking to Clarke I definitely identified with the culture side of things, not to put your business out to the world,” Antonio said.

“I definitely could feel what he was saying because that’s what I had to experience when I was younger.”

After reaching the quarterfinals of the UEFA Europa League last year, the Hammers have struggled for consistency this campaign.

With the Premier League season nearing its end, West Ham sit precariously just above the relegation zone with 37 points.

Kudus, who burst onto the scene with a standout debut season, has found it difficult to replicate that form in his second year at the club.

However, the Ghana international remains optimistic and believes the challenges of this season will serve as motivation for a better 2025/26.

“100%, that should be the focus and that should be the standard every season,” the 24-year-old told Sky Sports when asked whether fans should expect a stronger side next season.

“Like I said, we take a lot of lessons from these down times. Every setback, for me personally, I see it as an opportunity to grow and focus on what is ahead,” he added.

Despite ongoing speculation about his future, with several clubs reportedly interested, Kudus remains committed to finishing the season strong.

West Ham’s next test will be a tough visit to Old Trafford, where they face Europa League finalists Manchester United on Sunday.

The Ghana winger, whose contract contains a release clause that becomes active for a set period this summer, is attracting interest from Al-Nassr of the Saudi Pro League.

Kudus impressed after joining West Ham from Ajax in the summer of 2023 but he has struggled to have the same impact in his second season. The 24-year-old has not scored for the club since December and there is a view within the London Stadium that losing him would not be a disaster.

West Ham will not push Kudus out but he is one of the few players in the squad likely to fetch a big fee. Graham Potter is looking to reshape his squad but funds are tight. West Ham’s recruitment department and agents close to the club are operating on the basis that there will not be much money to spend unless sales are made.

There is doubt over whether Kudus would be interested in moving to Saudi Arabia. West Ham believe they will receive offers for him from Premier League and European clubs.

West Ham are 17th after a dismal season and have an ageing squad. There are doubts over whether they will be able to sell the Germany striker Niclas Füllkrug, who has suffered from injuries since joining from Borussia Dortmund last summer.

Potter will listen to offers for Emerson Palmieri, Konstantinos Mavropanos and Edson Álvarez. Tomas Soucek has interest from Everton. Concerns over Jean-Clair Todibo’s fitness record could mean he is made available once the defender makes his loan from Nice permanent. Carlos Soler and Evan Ferguson are expected to return to Paris Saint-Germain and Brighton at the end of their respective loans. There is confidence that Jarrod Bowen, the club captain, will not look to leave.

In an interview with NBC Sports, the Ghanaian international shared the emotional significance of having his loved ones witness him compete on football’s biggest stage.

“It was actually having my family there. From playing in Nima to having my family come to support me, and actually having them in Qatar, in the stands, was a massive feeling for me,” Kudus said.

The 23-year-old attacker delivered a standout performance in Qatar, notably scoring twice in Ghana’s thrilling 3-2 victory over South Korea.

Although the Black Stars failed to progress beyond the group stage, Kudus described the experience as deeply rewarding.

“Most importantly, scoring and performing well, even though we didn’t go as far as I expected, was still a fulfilling moment.

“Having my family there with me to witness it on the pitch made it even more special,” he added.

Kudus is expected to play a key role in Ghana’s campaign for the 2026 World Cup, which will be hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.

The Black Stars are in a strong position following back-to-back victories over Chad and Madagascar during the March international break.

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Since making his debut in 2019, Kudus has become a key figure for Ghana’s national team, scoring 12 goals in 42 appearances for the four-time African champions.

In an interview with NBC Sports, the 23-year-old midfielder reflected on the deep sense of meaning he attaches to playing for his country, calling it both a privilege and a responsibility.

“It’s a huge privilege to represent our country of [nearly] 40 million people as one of the players for the Black Stars. It means so much to me,” Kudus said.

He also recalled how Ghanaian football legends shaped his dreams as a child and continue to inspire him today.

“Growing up, I watched most of the legends playing for the team, and they served as motivation for me. Now, I’m in that position, so I see it as a responsibility to do things right, set an example, and be a good role model for the kids looking up to me.

“I want to show them that it’s possible to achieve even greater things and do better than what I’m doing right now,” he added.

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• Kamaldeen Sulemana vows Black Stars will restore national pride
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• U20 AFCON: Ghana to face Senegal, DR Congo and Central African Republic in Group C

Victory means that if Arsenal lose at Ipswich next weekend, the Reds can wrap up the title by beating Leicester.

Mohamed Salah, who signed a new two-year contract at Liverpool this week, provided the assist with a splendid pass for Luis Diaz to open the scoring on 18 minutes.

But Liverpool failed to build on this and West Ham deservedly equalised when Andy Robertson turned the ball into his own net.

However, in the 90th minute Van Dijk – who is expected to join Salah in agreeing a new deal to stay with the club – rose highest to head home a corner and put Liverpool 13 points clear of second-placed Arsenal with just six league games to play.

It was a frantic end to a game in which Liverpool allowed control to slip from their grasp and where West Ham, who are not yet mathematically safe from relegation, came close on numerous occasions before finally scoring.

Reds keeper Alisson – passed fit after missing the loss at Fulham with concussion – made a series of fine saves throughout the game. In the first half he brilliantly tipped a Mohammed Kudus chip on to the crossbar, and after the break he made crucial stops from Jarrod Bowen and Kudus again.

Liverpool nearly doubled their lead after the break when Alexis Mac Allister’s free-kick rattled the bar, while West Ham sub Niclas Fullkrug also hit the woodwork with a chance to make it 2-2.

But, while still below their best, Liverpool found the response to suffering only their second league loss of the season last weekend. This win also mathematically ensures the Reds have qualified for the Champions League for 2025-26.

With Wolves winning, West Ham fall to 17th but are 14 points above the bottom three.

Kudus has endured a challenging season, scoring only three goals for West Ham United after an impressive debut campaign last year, where he netted 20 goals across all competitions.

Despite his dip in form, clubs from Saudi Arabia have inquired about the Ghanaian forward’s availability. Reports indicate that Kudus has an £85 million release clause, but Saudi clubs are reportedly willing to exceed that amount.

However, no formal agreement has been reached, as Kudus remains under contract with West Ham until 2028.

Beyond Saudi interest, the 24-year-old has also been linked with a move to Liverpool and other top European clubs as the summer transfer window approaches.

Meanwhile, Kudus was absent for West Ham’s 1-0 defeat to Wolverhampton Wanderers at Molineux on Tuesday after sustaining an injury during training. While the club has not disclosed the severity of the issue, it was enough to rule him out of the match.

“The police came and when they found me I was in between the two seats. I wasn’t actually in the driver’s seat,” he recalls.

“They said it looked like I was trying to climb out of the window, but because my leg was so badly broken the pain probably stopped me from being able to get out.”

The first pictures of his crumpled Ferrari, which struck a tree in Epping Forest on a stormy Saturday in early December, were shared on social media and left people questioning whether Antonio was still alive.

The incident left West Ham’s record Premier League goalscorer in hospital for more than three weeks with a broken leg – and facing a gruelling journey back to fitness.

Today, Antonio insists he will play again at the highest level, and feels he has been given “another chance at life” after he was “close to dying”.

The 34-year-old sat down for an exclusive interview with BBC One’s Morning Live presenter Helen Skelton to reflect on his “horrendous accident”.

What happened on the day of the crash?

Saturday, 7 December had started out as a typical morning for Antonio, with West Ham training for a televised league match against Wolves two days later.

He remembers the weather “was windy, wet and horrific” on a day when the Met Office had issued warnings for Storm Darragh.

Antonio had felt “lazy” when his partner asked him to retrieve some bags from their other car before he set off, so instead he took his Ferrari – which he says he had doubts about.

“The back of the car kept swinging out on me, so I didn’t feel safe,” he says. “I had had it for three weeks and I was already thinking about giving it back.”

It was a decision that changed everything, but when asked what he remembers about the crash itself – which occurred on his way home – his answer is “nothing”.

“It’s weird, because the whole way through this, I have been told that I was awake and was speaking to everybody – the police, the people, and the person who found me,” he says.

“My leg was completely shattered and they got me out and put a splint on it by the side of the car.

“Everyone believed I got an air ambulance out, but the helicopter couldn’t get off the ground because of the storm, so I was driven to the hospital.”

Three weeks ago, Antonio went to see the remains of his car at the scrapyard.

“It gave me a weird feeling in my stomach. It just made me realise how close I was to dying. I had seen the pictures but it was 10 times worse in person. The car was an absolute mess. It was difficult for me.”

How bad is Antonio’s injury?

The first memory Antonio has following the crash is a brief one on the Sunday when he was being spoken to by a scared friend – his long-time agent Mike Appiason.

By Monday, he was able to send a supportive message to his team-mates before their win over Wolves.

“I shattered my femur bone in four different places,” he says. “I had one single keyhole surgery. They put a pole in my thigh with four bolts, so screws and bolts to knit it back together.

“My first surgeon said he didn’t want me to put any weight on my leg for three months, which is around about now, and you can see that I am walking.

“We got a second specialist who said I needed to start putting weight on it, increasing from 10% up to 100% within three weeks.

“But I kept my crutches for a further two weeks. Overall, they say it will be between six to 12 months before my leg starts healing properly.”

Antonio was also keen to set the record straight over talk on social media that he had either been drinking or taken drugs.

He explains: “I was travelling back from training and, anyway, I’ve never taken drugs in my life. I’ve said I like a drink. But in this situation, there were no drugs, there was no drink. That’s been ruled out and confirmed by the police.”

Antonio has spoken about how therapy helped him cope with the death of his father and break-up of his previous marriage, which meant he struggled to celebrate West Ham’s Conference League win in 2023.

When asked how he would have reacted to the crash had he not previously had therapy, he says: “I wouldn’t have processed it at all, or what I would have done would be to push it down and been angry or aggressive.

“Since the crash, I’ve been more emotional than I have ever been in my life, but I feel like it’s better. Therapy is one of the best things that’s happened to me in my life.”

Will Antonio play football again?

The next big question – can you be the Antonio of before? “Yes, 100%. I will play again,” he replies.

But there was one moment where he doubted it. Two weeks ago, his physiotherapists asked if he had career-ending injury insurance. “I didn’t sleep a wink that night,” he says, with a smile and shake of his head.

Antonio’s road to recovery will be a relentless journey requiring countless hours in the gym, with running the next step in his pursuit of fitness.

“That’s what I am focused on and why I am working six days a week. I’ve always been positive from this situation. It’s a horrendous accident, and it’s a massive injury,” he says.

“It’s the biggest injury I’ve ever had in my career. But the fact that I’m already two to three months ahead of where I should be, I know that I’ll play again, and I know that once I’m playing the game I’ll get the sharpness back.

“I was one of the quickest at West Ham. So my body wasn’t the body of a 34-year-old before I had the accident anyway. I can still be sharp and still do the business.

“People have always doubted me. My mental strength is something that I’ve always believed in and this is just another setback, and it is not going to stop me.”

‘I almost wasn’t there for my children’

When Antonio went to see his destroyed Ferrari at the scrapyard, the fear of not seeing his six children grow up left him with a sick feeling in the pit of his stomach.

“The most difficult part is that I almost wasn’t there for my children,” Antonio says. “It’s just made me happy, positive about life, because I’ve got another chance at life.

“During this, we kept it away from the kids. My eldest saw it, and he struggled with it. He’s 13, and obviously people were showing photos of the car.

“So he came down and saw me in the hospital. But the younger ones, they never really knew how bad the situation was. We kind of avoided letting them get on the internet.”

The one major concession Antonio has made is he will not be driving any fast cars for a little while.

“I’ve always been a fan and friend of sports cars and old classics, but I can’t lie to you, sports cars are not my friends,” he says.

“So right now, I have a Mercedes people carrier and my brother is my driver. For now, anyway, I’m staying far away from sports cars.”

But Antonio added that he did overcome his first drive since the crash last week. “I don’t remember the trauma so I have no nerves.

“The only problem I have with it right now is every time I get behind the wheel, I worry that even if something small happens, it will be like ‘ah, Michail’s been in a crash again’, and that kind of negativity gets in my mind and gives me a bit of nerves.”

‘The love feels good’

Image source: Getty Images

Image caption: Graham Potter has been in charge of West Ham since the beginning of January

At the time of the crash, Julen Lopetegui was Antonio’s manager at West Ham but the Spaniard was sacked and has been replaced by Graham Potter.

Being so badly injured while having a new boss appointed at the club concerned Antonio initially.

“That was horrendous for me,” he adds. “I’m not gonna lie, it was one of the hardest things for me, the fact a new manager came in and I wasn’t there to show what I can do, with my contract up at the end of the season.

“It was difficult for me at the time, but the only thing I can focus on is me and making sure I am right.

“One thing I have had to realise is that it doesn’t matter and I can’t rush myself and put myself out there when I am not right because it would make things worse.

“If I rush myself then that will be the reason I didn’t get a contract. As long as I make sure I am right then I know I will have done everything I can.”

West Ham have funded Antonio’s rehabilitation, including a trip to Dubai that involved physio, rest, recovery and meditation.

The club have helped to organise charity initiatives to raise funds for the emergency services involved in rescuing him from the wreckage, including when the entire team warmed up in Antonio shirts before auctioning them off.

Further support came from team-mate Jarrod Bowen who held up Antonio’s shirt when scoring against Wolves at the London Stadium.

And Antonio received a warm reception when he walked on to the pitch at the recent home game against Newcastle while he was off crutches.

“The love feels good,” he continues. “When I got into football, I did it as a hobby and didn’t support any clubs.

“Now I am definitely a West Ham fan. What the club did for me, the support they gave me on and off the field, the hospitals and the specialists, was unbelievable. I thank the club, the fans, the emergency services, the people around me.”

And on being stopped in the street by fans eager to know if he will return, he adds: “I like that people care enough to come and ask me the question, so I don’t mind repeating it 1,000 times. The goal is to be back scoring goals.”

Now an established attacking midfielder for West Ham United, Kudus shares his journey to the east end of London in the video above, celebrating the diversity of the Premier League through the theme of “Greatness comes from everywhere” as part of the No Room For Racism initiative.

“I grew up in Nima. It’s a slum area, probably like a ghetto,” says Kudus. “You have to be very tough to sustain yourself in an area like that.

“To start all the way from Nima and then leave home very early takes a lot of discipline and sacrifices to stick on that path and not lose your soul.

“To become a Premier League player, it means a lot for me. I feel it’s also a responsibility for me because growing up with the Michael Essiens and all these guys, Muntari, playing in the Premier League, was the source of motivation for me.

“Right now that I’m also in this position, I try [to] look back and make the guys coming from Nima now believe that they can do it even better than the point I am now.

“But that also comes with responsibility on how I throw light on where I’m from, how I carry myself and how I represent Ghana and Nima as a whole.”

Kudus has been good to his word and took an opportunity to shine a light on his homeland in December when he celebrated scoring against Brighton & Hove Albion by picking out a wooden seat with a carved elephant from behind the goal and then sitting on it with team-mate Crysencio Summerville.

At the time Kudus said: “It’s my roots. Where I come from, the chiefs and the kings, they sit on stools where they are from. So I thought it would be nice to share a little bit of life where I am from.”

Having the opportunity to be a role model and also give Ghana greater visibility is something Kudus is proud of.

“It [playing] comes with that responsibility, but I like it because it’s a positive feeling to know that someone can dream through your achievement, and your dream, and what you do,” he adds.

“My idea of greatness is using your God-given talent to have an impact on other people’s lives and where you’re coming from. So that’s my definition of it.”

Kudus and Kamaldeen shared the pitch during their time in the Danish league before Kudus moved to Ajax and Kamaldeen later joined Stade Rennes. The duo also featured together for Ghana at the 2022 World Cup.

Despite playing with several top-class footballers throughout his career, Kudus singled out Kamaldeen when asked about his most talented teammate.

“I’ll go with Kamaldeen of Southampton because I have known him since he was young; because we played the same academy in Ghana, Denmark also. He’s the best player I’ve played with. I think he has everything a winger needs to succeed,” he told Perspectives [Rising Ballers].

Kudus has long admired Spanish midfielder Thiago Alcantara, and when asked about the best opponent he has faced, he named the former Liverpool star.

“The best player I’ve played against I’ll say Thiago Alcantara when he was at Liverpool.

“Growing up, I really loved watching him play and I really loved how he was playing because I like players that entertain the game and try to just entertain themselves and enjoy the game.

“So, playing against him at Anfield, he was untouchable. I was a fan on the pitch but same time doing the work,” he added.

The Ghanaian attacker will be looking to score his first goal of the year when West Ham host struggling Leicester on Thursday.

The Ghanaian midfielder played a crucial role at the Emirates Stadium, helping his side secure a vital three points. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Potter was full of admiration for Kudus’ impact and work ethic.

“He [Mohammed Kudus] was really good. I think every day, he is a bit of an example. Every day in training, he’s been really, really good. His effort and application have been top,” Potter said.

“Sometimes when the team isn’t functioning as well as you would like, the individuals within it don’t look as good as they can be.

“He’s actually been brilliant, and I think he got his reward today because his performance was fantastic,” he added.

Kudus was a constant menace for Arsenal, ending the game as the most fouled player. He also played a key role in the dismissal of Gunners defender Miles Lewis-Skelly, who was sent off after bringing him down to prevent a clear goal-scoring opportunity.

With West Ham hovering just above the relegation zone, they will aim to build on this momentum when they take on struggling Leicester City on Thursday.

Jarrod Bowen got the winner against a Gunners side who later had Myles Lewis-Skelly sent off.

Victory would have moved Arsenal to within five points of Arne Slot’s team, who visit champions Manchester City on Sunday, but they struggled badly against a Hammers side who defended magnificently and created the better openings over the 90 minutes.

Bowen started and finished the move that led to the winner late in the first half, collecting a loose ball on the edge of his own box and feeding Aaron Wan-Bissaka before stooping low to nod the full-back’s cross into the net for his 50th Premier League goal.

It was the first time Arsenal had trailed in a home Premier league game at half-time this season, but they showed no discernible improvement after the interval – despite pinning West Ham back for much of the second period.

Leandro Trossard had a low shot saved by the feet of Alphonse Areola, but the Gunners’ hopes of a route back into the contest were dealt a major blow when Lewis-Skelly was sent off for a professional foul on Mohammed Kudus near the halfway line.

Referee Craig Pawson initially cautioned the 18-year-old for dragging Kudus to the floor, but the video assistant referee (VAR) ruled that Lewis-Skelly had denied the Ghanaian a clear goalscoring opportunity and the yellow card was upgraded to a red.

West Ham held on comfortably in the end to move 13 points clear of the bottom three and level with Manchester United in 15th – although they stay 16th because of their inferior goal difference.

Pedro Neto’s equaliser cancelled out Jarrod Bowen’s opener before Aaron Wan-Bissaka put a Cole Palmer cross-shot through his own net to give Enzo Maresca’s side an important three points that elevates them into the top four of the Premier League table.

The hosts did not have things all their own way, but they had the better of the first-half opportunities as Noni Madueke and Enzo Fernandez both went close.

However, it was a case of smash and grab from the Hammers, led by former Chelsea manager Graham Potter, as Bowen capitalised on some lax defending from Levi Colwill to sneak in behind and slot home on his return from a foot injury that has kept him out for the whole of 2025 so far.

After the break, Maresca had seen enough, introducing Pedro Neto and Marc Guiu with the second half just six minutes old.

His decision would turn out to be a masterstroke, as Neto equalised from close range after his initial inswinger had caused pandemonium in the visitors’ penalty area, and the Portuguese was on hand to tap home.

Chelsea pressed on and went ahead on 74 minutes when Palmer produced a moment of magic, gliding into the penalty area and digging out an attempted cross that looped over Alphonse Areola’s desperate clasp following a deflection off Wan-Bissaka.

West Ham weren’t done, however, as Mohammed Kudus struck the post with a header from a sumptuous Andy Irving delivery, but Chelsea held on for the victory, sealing the league double over the Hammers this term.

Potter takes the Hammers back to his old club on Monday (20:00 GMT) – his fourth Premier League game in charge since being appointed in January.

The former Brighton boss was dismissed by Chelsea in April 2023, less than seven months after replacing the sacked Thomas Tuchel at Stamford Bridge in September 2022.

However, Potter said he had no “bad feeling” towards Chelsea and wanted to learn from the experience.

“You know in a football life you’re going to get ups and downs,” added the 49-year-old, who won 12 of his 31 games in charge of Chelsea in all competitions.

“I didn’t want to lose my job. But at the same time I look back now and maybe it’s the best thing that happened to me.

“Maybe the next 10-20 years is going to be great because of the experience I’ve had.

“I just look at it as a learning experience. I’ve got no bad feelings towards Chelsea, I’ve still got a lot of good relationships with the people there.

“But I’m just looking forward to the journey I’m on now with West Ham at this great club and getting that connection with the supporters, working with the team and building something that we’re really excited about and proud about here.”

Potter previously described his ill-fated stint at Chelsea as a “perfect storm”.

“I can only look back now and think, just like everybody in life, you can have good things and bad things,” he added.

“They make you better if you use them in the right way, and I’ve done that and so therefore I’m grateful for the experience.”

West Ham have four points from three games under Potter and came from behind to earn a 1-1 draw at Aston Villa last Sunday.

The Hammers are 14th in the table on 27 points after 23 games, while Chelsea are in sixth spot.

Kudus, who joined West Ham United in 2023, has been impressive since his arrival in the Premier League.

Although he had a strong start in his debut season, Kudus has struggled to find his best form this campaign, scoring just three goals and providing two assists so far.

In an interview with SkySports, Palmer, who has contributed 14 league goals and six assists this season, expressed his admiration for the Black Stars star.

Palmer highlighted Kudus’ impressive qualities, noting that he possesses all the key attributes required of a modern-day attacker.

“Kudus is very good — like very, very good. I admire everything about Kudus’ game. He’s fast, strong, and technically gifted,” he said.

“I think he’s a very, very, very good player,” he added.

Chelsea will face West Ham United in a Monday night clash at Stamford Bridge.

West Ham attacker Mohammed Kudus has shared that the club’s new head coach, Graham Potter, “demands a lot” from his players.

Potter, who succeeded Julen Lopetegui after the latter’s dismissal following 20 games in charge, has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract with the Hammers.

Kudus, speaking to SkySports after playing four matches under the new boss, said, “He demands a lot.”

“He’s only been here a short period of time but we can feel the energy as players.”

He went on to add, “For me, it was the same with the old manager; they expect a lot, and the challenging part is replicating what he wants me to do in his system. I know we don’t have time, but this stuff does take time.”

Despite the pressure for immediate results, Kudus acknowledged that the fans expect victories quickly.

“The fans expect points straight away and we have to get wins, but settling into a new way of playing takes time.”

Following a 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday, West Ham will head to Stamford Bridge to face Chelsea in their next Premier League match on Monday.