Bukayo Saka is spot-on to seal stroll past West Ham and keeps Arsenal flying
So much for bogey teams. In a week that Mikel Arteta’s side have banished the demons of their poor recent record at Newcastle and here against Olympiakos, it was West Ham’s turn to feel the force of a resurgent Arsenal as they laid down the gauntlet in the title race with a convincing victory.
Other than the concerning sight of first Martin Ødegaard and then opening goalscorer Declan Rice having to be replaced due to injuries, this was a most satisfying afternoon for Arteta on his 300th match in charge. While 16% of Arsenal’s goals under the Spaniard have come from set-pieces – a figure only surpassed by Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce of those who have managed that many games in the Premier League – they showed they are still capable of breaking down teams who come to defend with a low block as well.
