Review:Arsenal vs West Ham

On the return of the Premier League from the World Cup break, table toppers Arsenal meet midtable West Ham United. The Gunners ended the game 3-1 victors but it wasn’t easy.

Everybody expected an easy win for the Gunners and that West Ham wouldn’t trouble them. Instead the Hammers managed to land the first blow with a first half penalty from Saïd Benrahma. Gabriel over committed, leaving his defensive partner exposed, leading to a foul by William Saliba.

Going into the half-time Arsenal were 1-0 down but they had created a couple of chances but just needed to find that clear cut-opportunity and be clinical when the ball arrived. At that they were, on the 53’ minute Bukayo Saka equalised with a precise finish into the bottom corner. Only 5 minutes later Gabriel Martinelli scored Arsenal’s second, finishing off a good move with a powerful left footed strike into the near post. Finally, after some slick one-two passing Eddie Nketiah received the ball, turned and then struck the ball into the far left corner. A brilliant moment for him but also his teammates and fans. Eddie came into the team and scored on his first Premier League start of the season, if he can keep this up we might not have to sign another striker.

Today’s win didn’t just extend our lead at the top of the table, we showed that we have a champion mentality. To come back from 1-0 down as emphatically as we did is incredible. The sheer fight and confidence this team exuded is almost unimaginable if you look back 2-3 years ago. No longer are there the days were every Arsenal fan would give up hope when the team goes down. Instead just like the Aston Villa game, teh Emirates roared when the team conceded in an attempt to push them to an equaliser.

This Arsenal team have proven in this game that this is not just a good patch of form but actually a result of years of hard work and failure on and off the pitch. Arteta has cultivated a side capable of running games, grinding out wins and winning a league title. Every league winning side has that bite to it that comes out when they are in a tough spot. For the past few seasons that it what Arsenal has lacked and now that they have it, I see no reason why we cannot be called favourites for this league title.

At 5 points clear, we are in a comfortable position that can be reached by other big hitters but if we sustain our good form, beat the big teams we can win this title. Of course it won’t be easy, but nothing worth anything is easy. If you want something you have to be ready to fight for it, and I firmly believe that this Arsenal side are ready to fight, and not lose.