Walcott rescues Gunners

West Ham 1 Arsenal 3

A goal by Carlton Cole early in the second half at Upton Park threatened to give West Ham only their second league win in 11 games but a shot from Walcott somehow trundled through the goalkeeper’s hands before further goals by the winger and Podolski won the game.

The victory breathes new life into what had been Arsenal’s faltering bid for the Premier League title and sends them to Newcastle on Sunday in better heart than seemed likely after the 47th minute here.