EPL:Arsenal keep Euro bid alive

15 Apr 2014 22:53:58
Arsenal came from behind to
keep alive their hopes of
qualifying for the Champions
League as Lukas Podolski's
double inspired a vital 3-1
win over West Ham on Tuesday.
Arsene Wenger's side are in danger of failing
to reach Europe's elite club competition for
the first time in 17 years after a miserable
run saw them surrender fourth place to
Everton.
The Gunners needed a victory over their
London rivals to climb back into fourth, but
their European bid looked in dire straits when
Matthew Jarvis struck for the visitors late in
the first half at the Emirates Stadium.
That shock revitalised a previously lethargic
Arsenal and German forward Lukas Podolski
equalised minutes later before France striker
Olivier Giroud put them ahead soon after the
interval.
Podolski's second in the closing stages
sealed Arsenal's first victory in their last five
league games and lifted the north Londoners
one point clear of Everton, although Roberto
Martinez's men are still in pole position as
they will reclaim fourth place if they draw or
win at home to Crystal Palace on
Wednesday.
"We were under absolute pressure to win the
game and after giving a lot on Saturday it
was difficult," Wenger said.
"I was satisfied with the mental response of
the team. We showed maturity not to panic
when we went 1-0 down.
"The vital thing was to come back to 1-1
before halftime. It was a hard-fought and
very enjoyable win."