Oliver Giroud’s late strike saves Wenger from more blushes as Boxing Day saw Chelsea make it 12 wins in a row and the comeback of Big Sam Allardyce.
A late strike from French international Olivier Giroud saved the day for Arsen Wenger and Arsenal.
Up that moment Arsenal dominated but could not find a way to breach a stubborn West Brom who had in inspired keeper Ben Foster with various splendid saves an insuperable obstacle. With this win the Gunners climbed back to third place on level points with Liverpool who still have to play.
Meantime Chelsea made sure to end the year in command of the Premiership with their 12th win a row by beating Bournemouth 3-0 with goals coming from Pedro, Hazard from the penalty spot and an own goal from Cook.
Manchester City left it late to overcome away from home bottom placed Hull 3-0. Yaya Touré from the penalty spot gave the Citizens the lead in the 72′, with Iheanacho doubling just 6′ later and an own goal by Davies in added time giving Pep Guardiola‘s men a win which gives them second place in the table.
The other side of Manchester, United also ended the year with a 3-1 win at Old Trafford over struggling Sunderland of former boss David Moyes.
For the Red Devils, the goals came from defender Blind, Ibrahimovic and Mkhitaryan, whilst Borini pulled one back for Black Cats with a wonderful perfect lob from outside the box.
Boxing Day saw the return of Big Sam Allardyce to the Premiership as his new team, Crystal Palace took the lead from Cabaye, but a penalty from Deeney saved a point for Watford.
Goals from Mirallas and Lukaku added more woes to champions Leicester City as Everton won their first away win since September and the Foxes drop closer to the relegation zone.
In the last two games played yesterday saw West Ham register a 4-1 win away at Swansea and Burnley beat 1-0 at home Middlesbrough thanks to a late blunder by keeper Victor Valdes.
Today Liverpool takes on Stoke City whereas on Wednesday Tottenham travels to Southampton to close Day 18 of the Premiership.
