Arsenal left it late to break down the stubborn resistance of bottom club West Ham, who were helped by a fine display of shot-stopping from their much-derided keeper Rob Green.

Midfielder Alexandre Song’s 88^th-minute diving header from Gael Clichy’s right-wing cross was the culmination of their increasing pressure.

While not at their fluent best, the Gunners nonetheless created numerous clear-cut chances, hitting the frame of the goal twice as well as encountering an inspired Green.

The Hammers’ custodian made fine first-half saves from Cesc Fabregas, Song and Sebastien Squillachi but was beaten shortly after the interval by Samr Nasri’s sweetly-struck 35-yard free-kick which shook the crossbar.

West Ham’s Mark Noble fired a shot straight at Gunners keeper Lukasz Fabianksi in the first half and Manuel Da Costa’s second-half header was similarly ill-directed. But it was largely one-way traffic in the last quarter.

Substitute Theo Walcott struck the inside of the left-hand post with almost his first contribution after his 67^th minute introduction.

And the England wideman’s deflected shot on 82 minutes brought another save out of Green, who denied Fabregas again moments later.

Green was left helpless however, as Song reacted quickest to Clichy’s in-swinging cross at the far post.