Van Persie 13, 77 (pen)

                                                                                                      Walcott 41                      

Arsenal strolled to victory against EPL bottom club West Ham, easing up after dominating a first half which could have provided more than the two goals it did.

The Gunners were already well in control when they took a 13^th-minute lead. Theo Walcott crossed low from the right, and Samir Nasri stepped over the ball to allow Robin Van Persie a fine right-foot finish past Hammers’ keeper Robert Green from 12 yards.

Walcott should have made it 2-0 moments later when he broke clear of West Ham’s defence but his weak left-footed finish allowed Green to make the save.

West Ham were gifted their best opportunity of the half by Johan Djourou’s underhit backpass which Carlton Cole ran onto.

His right-foot shot was saved by Gunners’ keeper Wojciech Szczesny and Zavon Hines fired over after the ball fell to him.

After Van Persie’s low left-foot drive struck the post, Walcott doubled Arsenal’s advantage on 41 minutes, nipping in ahead of Hammers debutant Wayne Bridge to convert Van Persie’s cross from the left by-line.

And the same trio were involved in Arsenal’s third goal on 77 minutes, Bridge upending Walcott in the area and Van Persie firing home the resultant spot-kick.