"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 degaard 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."
"It was most likely with the memory of February's damaging defeat here which ended a 15-match unbeaten run and any realistic hopes of catching eventual champions Liverpool that Arteta decided to start with Rice as a single pivot in midfield with degaard and Eberechi Eze ahead of him. That meant no place for Martin Zubimendi as one of five changes from the win over Olympiakos in midweek."
Arsenal produced a convincing victory over West Ham in Mikel Arteta's 300th match in charge, strengthening their position in the title race. Martin degaard and opening goalscorer Declan Rice were both forced off with injuries during the game. Bukayo Saka converted a penalty to make the win secure. Sixteen percent of Arsenal's goals under Arteta have come from set-pieces, a figure only surpassed by Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce among managers with that many Premier League games. Arteta set Rice as a single pivot with degaard and Eberechi Eze ahead, making five changes from midweek. West Ham began positively under Nuno Espirito Santo with a mobile midfield trio but could not respond after conceding.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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