Premier League: Arsenal thrash West Ham
West Ham United 0 - 6 Arsenal
It was a disastrous afternoon for West Ham as they suffered a heavy defeat at home to Arsenal.
The match kicked off with Arsenal dictating the pace, applying high pressure and keeping the West Ham players pinned in their own half. Arteta's unexpected tactical changes paid off from the get-go. Although the game was evenly poised for the first thirty minutes, Arsenal dominated possession.
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In the 32nd minute, Rice delivered a corner kick, finding Saliba in the box who leapt and headed the ball into the net, putting Arsenal ahead 1-0.
In the 41st minute, Saka was fouled in the box by Areola while advancing towards goal. Initially flagged offside, VAR intervened, confirming Saka's perfectly timed run and awarding Arsenal a penalty. Saka confidently stepped up and slotted the ball into the left side of the net, making it 2-0.
Just three minutes later, Arsenal earned a free kick. Rice once again delivered a precise ball into the box, finding Gabriel's head who nodded it home, extending Arsenal's lead to 3-0.
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Just when West Ham supporters thought Arsenal had done enough for the half, Havertz won possession in midfield, playing a pass to Odegaard who then spotted Trossard's run towards goal. Trossard deceived the defence with a subtle feint before curling the ball into the top right corner, making it 4-0 going into halftime. It was a dominant display from Arsenal, capitalising on West Ham's errors.
The second half began much like the end of the first, with Arsenal eager and full of confidence. In the 63rd minute, Odegaard played a delightful through ball to Saka who expertly finished, curling the ball into the net to make it 5-0.
Only 2 minutes later, White put the ball out towards the edge of the box, and Rice thumped a rocket of a shot into the back of the net against his boyhood club, picking up a goal and two assists for the game. There was muted celebrations from Rice, against the club he clearly still loves.
The game finished 6-0 and Arsenal were at their very best. Alongside, Manchester City and Liverpool, we seem to be in the middle of a very exciting title race.
The very best reaction
🗣️ "I was really pleased with the class of the crowd to give him the reception I think he deserves"
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) February 12, 2024
Mikel Arteta on Declan Rice's performance in Arsenal's win over West Ham 🔴 pic.twitter.com/P4oFtDLFEy
DJ, a huge Arsenal fan, said: "It was a fantastic day for our team and we achieved our biggest Premier League victory on an away ground. We completely tore West Ham United apart. The whole team played well, everyone was totally professional as one would expect an Arsenal side to be. Onwards to our next game against Burnley, every match is a must win now though."
Paul, an Arsenal fan who was in the away end at the London Stadium, added: "Wow, that was a fantastic performance. A great way to build on the result and performance from the Liverpool match. The title race is definitely on now for us."
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Obviously Moyes is going to get huge criticism after this and rightly so but I think Sullivan & the rest of the board need to get just as much if not more. Moyes is not going to resign he ain’t made that way so the board deserve to be criticised for allowing this to carry on.
— Ryan Archer⚒ (@ryanarcher84) February 11, 2024
Jamie, a West Ham fan who was one of many who left the ground at half-time, said: "Let's face it, the last three years have probably been one of the best periods in our history. Finishing inside the top seven in the league, reaching the semi-finals of a European competition, and even winning another European trophy. I believe the club has definitely progressed. Without a doubt, the match against Arsenal was dreadful, so I completely understand why so many of many fans feel disheartened. It's inevitable that football clubs will have off days, and unfortunately, today was one of them for us. However, as fans, we'll always cherish the good times and remember them fondly."
@IWA1895 was full of pride for his club despite the result. He posted on Twitter/X: "The performance. Dreadful. The result. Embarrassing beyond belief. However, today, something good also happened. In complete defiance, throughout the second half, we showed ourselves, despite the scoreline, and many followed. We will get there. West Ham till we die."
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