Arsenal stretched their lead at the top of the Premiership to four points with a hard-earned victory over West Brom.

Arsene Wenger's men were forced to come from behind after Daniele Dichio had headed the Baggies into a shock lead on three minutes.

But the Gunners showed their class to restore parity courtesy of a Francis Jeffers goal just before the break.

And Thierry Henry broke West Brom hearts late on, capitalising on a bad mistake by Adam Chambers to score the winner for Arsenal.

Key incidents

3 mins: Dichio puts West Brom ahead 48 mins: Jeffers equalises for Arsenal 76 mins: Roberts hits the post 78 mins: Henry fires over from close range 85 mins: Henry scores Arsenal's second

West Brom signalled their intent from the outset, subjecting the Arsenal goal to a barrage of corners.

And it proved third corner lucky for the hosts when Dichio thundered a header past David Seaman from Jason Koumas' expert delivery.

It was Dichio's third goal in as many home games, and the tall striker had moments earlier forced Seaman to tip over a well-struck shot.

Billed as a contest between the artisans and aristocrats of the Premiership, Gary Megson's side stuck valiantly to the task of defending their lead.

The Baggies disrupted Arsenal's rhythm and the visitors, despite their greater possession, failed to pose any real threat in the first half.

But Henry, a peripheral character before the break, spearheaded the Gunners' revival after the interval.

A delightful back-heel by the Frenchman set up Giovanni van Bronkhorst, who unleashed a powerful shot which Russell Hoult did well to beat away.

Dichio's early goal was not enough for West Brom

However, the West Brom keeper could do nothing to prevent Arsenal's equaliser.

Henry's telling cross was inadvertently diverted into the path of Jeffers, who showed his predatory instincts by dispatching from six yards.

West Brom could not replicate their high-tempo first-half display, but Koumas' excellent crosses kept the Arsenal defence busy.

Larus Sigurdsson went close to heading West Brom in front midway through the second half.

And the lively Jason Roberts, who eluded the Gunners rearguard, saw his shot hit the post.

That missed opportunity proved a turning point in the game.

Wenger introduced Robert Pires for goalscorer Jeffers, and he twice set up Henry for what seemed certain goals.

Henry missed both, but with only five minutes remaining he made amends, latching onto to the ball, after Patrick Vieira's had blocked Chambers's clearance, to coolly fire Arsenal to victory.

Watch a round up of the Boxing day Premiership action

West Brom: Hoult, Sigurdsson, Moore, Gregan, Adam Chambers (Dobie 86), Johnson, Wallwork (James Chambers 84), Koumas, Clement, Roberts, Dichio.
Subs Not Used: Murphy, Balis, Hughes.

Booked: Dichio.

Arsenal: Seaman, Lauren, Keown, Campbell, Cole, Wiltord (Toure 80), Silva, Vieira, van Bronckhorst (Pires 69), Jeffers (Kanu 69), Henry.
Subs Not Used: Upson, Holloway.

Attendance: 27,025

Referee: G Poll (Hertfordshire).