So much for bogey teams. In a week they 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 went to the top of the Premier League after Liverpool suffered a second straight defeat.
Other than the concerning sight of first Martin Ødegaard and then Declan Rice, scorer of the first goal, having to be replaced because of injuries, this was a most satisfying afternoon for Mikel Arteta on his 300th match in charge. While 16% of Arsenal’s goals under the Spaniard have come from set pieces – a figure surpassed only 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.
