Arsenal Accelerate into 4th

Matchweek 17 saw Arsenal play hosts to a West Ham side that went into the game with a hot run of form under David Moyes. 90 minutes later, Arteta walked out of the Emirates with 3 points and a 4th placed side.

What Does the Win Mean for the Team?

Well of course, 3 points are 3 points. Although we moved above West Ham and up to 4th place, we won’t stay there for long. With Manchester United 2 points behind with a game in hand and Spurs with 3 games in hand behind by 4 points, it will take a greater effort to stay in the Top 4. With the next 3 games being against Leeds, Norwich and Wolves, this win builds up good momentum to take into the next month of football.

The Antonio Test?

The Antonio test? HAH! That Arsenal defence passed with flying colours. Ben White defended Michail Antonio at ST so well that he got moved to RM. Ben White defended Michail Antonio at RM so well that he got moved to RWB. Kieran Tierney defended Michail Antonio at RWB so well that he got moved back to ST. What happened then? Ben White and Gabriel defended Michail Antonio at ST so well that he couldn’t do anything. Absolutely brilliant.

Arteta’s Tactics Prove Superior:

Arteta and the rest of the team dominated this game from cover to cover. Arsenal controlled the ball for the whole game, giving West Ham nothing to bite at. The quick ball movement between the lines leading up to the first goal summed it all up perfectly. Gabriel to Lacazette. Lacazette to Martinelli. Martinelli with a quality run and Henry-esque finish to tuck the ball away brilliantly. Exactly what you want to see.

Electrifying Heirs:

The youngsters are going off and they just don’t look like they are going to stop anytime soon. Martinelli bagged his 4th goal contribution in just as many games. Saka terrorised the right hand side of the pitch for the majority of the game. Then came the piece de resistance: Emile Smith-Rowe is subbed on in the 66th minute as he returns from injury – 21 minutes later, he called his own number on a counter attack to fire home Arsenal’s second. Another brilliant game from the Gunners’ youngsters.

Still Not Perfect:

It could’ve been better. Coufal’s red card could be viewed as debatable. Even then when the penalty was awarded, Lacazette stepped up just for Fabianski to deny his attempt, making the last 3 Arsenal penalties unsuccessful. Even then however, a win is a win – doesn’t matter how you get it, you’ve just got to get it.

Man of the Match:

Gabriel Martinelli – absolutely electrifying, made so many brilliant runs in behind and finally got his goal with a terrific run and finish. Play him at LM, ST, CF, I don’t care, just get him on the pitch.