Arsenal are back in business as they look to close the gap at the top of the Premier League over the next few months.
A sticky patch of form left them nine points behind leaders Liverpool at the end of November, with some writing them off in the race for the Premier League title. However, Mikel Arteta’s side have now won their last two league games, scoring eight goals and conceding just two.
The latest win came against West Ham on Saturday evening. Goals from Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz saw them rush into a 4-0 lead.
The Hammers did then pull two goals back in quick succession through Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson. But a Bukayo Saka penalty before the half time whistle put the result beyond doubt.
For Arsenal, they will now have their feet up and be keeping an eye on Sunday’s clash between Liverpool and Manchester City at Anfield. Ahead of that match, the Gunenrs sit in second place, but whatever the result, Arteta’s men benefit.
Following the win over West Ham, the national media had their say on the result and performance. Here is a look at just some.
'Premier League’s official challengers'
Sam Wallace of The Telegraph wrote: "Mikel Arteta’s players crammed two-games worth of goals into little more than half an hour, returning Arsenal to second place and the position of the Premier League’s official challengers one day before the big one at Anfield.
"The north Londoners were four goals up in 35 minutes, they went in for half-time 5-2 ahead, a scoreline that equalled the Premier League record for the most goals in a first half. There were times when West Ham presented the chances to their visitors on a figurative velvet cushion but Arsenal took them well…
"…The outcome of Manchester City’s visit to Anfield on Sunday will be an early indicator as to how the early leaders Liverpool might set the pace in the title race. They have taken advantage of City’s remarkable slump while Arsenal have needed it to offset some of their own shortcomings. But Arsenal have won their past two league games, scoring eight goals. The run of games that awaits them looks gentler, starting with Manchester United at the Emirates on Wednesday."
'Just as they had at Sporting'
Andy Sims of The Independent wrote: "Arsenal plundered another hatful of goals at West Ham as they climbed up to second in the Premier League with a frenetic 5-2 victory.
"The Gunners can now put their feet up and watch title rivals Liverpool and Manchester City try to take points off each other on Sunday after what was a breathless encounter – or first half at least – at the London Stadium.
"Just as they had at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night, Arsenal had five different scorers, with Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz and Bukayo Saka finding the net."
'Further reason for hope'
Sami Mokbel of theDaily Mail wrote: "This Saturday night siege was brought to you courtesy of a merciless Arsenal attacking onslaught. But also, thanks to a large serving of some pitiful West Ham defending.
"Arsenal, whose four game winless run in the Premier League had many writing off their title credentials, are back.
"What a difference a week makes, eh? Three wins and 13 goals has breathed life into a season that appeared to be suffocating as they look to haul down runaway leaders Liverpool to wrestle the title away from Manchester City.
"City, Liverpool, or both will drop points on Sunday, too; the two teams clash at Anfield. Further reason for hope."
'Arsenal contain further multitudes'
John Brewin of The Guardian wrote: "If Manchester City’s wobbles may hearten Arsenal, Liverpool’s blindside run to lead the Premier League has maintained the usual margin for error. Will Mikel Arteta end up counting the cost of Martin Ødegaard’s autumn absence? As Arsenal climbed to second nobody should doubt the importance of the playmaker or his understanding with Bukayo Saka.
"Arsenal contain further multitudes. Their London derby win will probably be best recalled for the proficiency of set pieces…
"…Arsenal ran in five first-half goals against an opponent foxed by both set-piece sophistication and speed of movement, including three goals in nine minutes. Though that was followed by a brief flicker of revival, the home fans rumbled in either discontent or stone silence from then on."
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Arsenal Manager Mikel Arteta, Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus with the Arsenal Therapy Dog Win during the Arsenal Men's team group shoot at London Colney on September 18, 2023
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