West Ham 2 Arsenal 2

WEST HAM came back from the dead to secure a crucial point in their battle for survival in a thrilling game against Arsenal at Upton Park.

First half goals from Robin Van Persie and William Gallas had looked to have secured the Gunners all three points. But the Hammers roared back with goals from an inspired Carlton Cole and a penalty from Alessandro Diamanti to secure a draw.

Both sides began the game looking to create chances, and West Ham were to have the first shot in anger, but Carlton Cole's drive was blocked.

Van Persie then saw his fierce shot tipped over by Robert Green, and there was a strong shout for a penalty when Matthew Upson appeared to handle the ball in the area, but referee Chris Foy waved away the appeals.

Jack Collison then came close to giving West Ham the lead, but his snap shot from the edge of the box was saved by Vito Mannone. The midfielder then followed up but the flag had already been raised for offside.

Arsenal then took the lead as the hosts went to sleep at the back. Abou Diaby and Bacary Sagna swapped passes on the right, and the right-back swung a ball into the box, which Green failed to reach, and Van Persie was left with the simplest task of stabbing the ball in to an open net.

Cole was the hosts' best option up front, as his pace and strength was keeping Gallas and Thomas Vermaelen busy.

One soon became two as Van Persie's swinging corner was met by the head of Gallas, who was able to get the better of Herita Ilunga.

With the crowd silent and the players dejected, it looked for all money like it was going to be another bad day for Gianfranco Zola and his players.

However, there was to be several twists to come in an intriguing second half.

The Gunners looked to have taken their foot off the pedal, content to knock the ball around and pick up the three points.

But West Ham had other ideas.

Substitute Zavon Hines was fouled on the edge of the box. His fellow substitute, Italian Alessandro Diamanti fizzed a left-footed shot towards goal. Mannone was equal to it, but the ball squirmed back into the danger area and Cole dove in to head into an unguarded net.

Suddenly, the sleeping giant awoke and the stands were buzzing with noise.

They eventually got the goal they wanted, Foy pointing to the spot after Alex Song had inexplicably tripped Cole inside the area. Diamanti confidently stepped up and dispatched the ball into the right corner.

It was an incredible turnaround, and one that looked impossible after a disappointing first half from the hosts.

The Hammers were forced to play the remaining ten minutes with ten men after Scott Parker was sent off for a second bookable offence, although the handball he was allegedly accused of looked a dubious decision.

Green then made a stunning reaction save from Van Persie, after the Dutchman connected with a Sagna cross.

But the Hammers held out for what could prove to be a vital point in the course of their season.