Arsenal on top after Boxing Day comeback

• BBC Sport, Thursday, December 26, 2013 6:50 PM

Theo Walcott scored twice and Lukas Podolski marked his return from injury with a goal in Arsenal's 3-1 win at West Ham, which had taken a 1-0 lead in the 46th minute with a Carlton Cole goal. The win puts the Gunners atop the English Premier League standings.

Arsenal dominated the first half but fell behind as Cole tapped home after goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny dropped a shot. Walcott equalized with an effort that goalkeeper Adrian should have saved. Podolski's cross set up Walcott's header to put Arsenal ahead before the German added the third himself.

The loss dropped West Ham into the relegation zone. The Hammers have won only one of their last 11 league games. Arsenal ended a run of four games in all competitions without a win.

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