“They were Weak. The goals were too early” – Arsenal boss, Mikel Arteta, speaks about the game against West Ham; talks about how ‘EASY’ it was to DEFEAT West Ham.

Arsenal delivered a dominant performance against West Ham United at the London Stadium, cruising to a 5-2 win in their latest Premier League fixture. The Gunners, led by manager Mikel Arteta, scored four goals in the opening 36 minutes, seemingly putting the game out of reach for the hosts. However, a brief defensive lapse allowed West Ham to claw back with two quick goals, a sequence that Arteta believes could have been avoided.

A Blistering Start Undermined by Lapses

Arsenal began the match in sensational fashion, showcasing their attacking prowess. Early goals placed them firmly in control of the game, overwhelming a struggling West Ham defense. However, as the Gunners pushed for more, complacency crept in, allowing Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Emerson to capitalize on defensive errors and score for the Hammers.

Speaking after the match, Arteta addressed the defensive breakdown, saying, “We made it crazy. We played so well at the start of the game. We scored three early goals, and then they scored one immediately after kick-off, followed by another. Suddenly, it was game on.”

Arteta emphasized the importance of game management, particularly when in a commanding position. “We have to manage the game better. While we responded well and controlled the second half, lapses like these can be costly against stronger teams,” he noted.

Bukayo Saka Restores Order

Despite the setback, Arsenal quickly reasserted their dominance. Bukayo Saka converted a penalty just before halftime, restoring the three-goal cushion. Saka’s composure in high-pressure situations once again underlined his importance to the team.

Arteta praised the team’s ability to respond swiftly but stressed that such scenarios should not arise in the first place. “We let the hosts get a sniff and their confidence grew, even though they had shown little to deserve it,” he said.

Lessons for the Future

While the victory bolstered Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League, Arteta acknowledged the need for improvement. The Gunners now sit nine points clear, taking full advantage of Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City earlier in the day.

Arteta pointed to the upcoming clash against Manchester United as an opportunity to build on the lessons from this game. “Against better teams, a lapse like this can turn the tide. We must remain focused for the full 90 minutes,” he warned.

A Test of Character

The match against West Ham highlighted both Arsenal’s strengths and vulnerabilities. On one hand, their attacking fluidity and ability to dominate opponents were evident. On the other, defensive lapses and moments of complacency exposed areas for growth.

Arteta remains confident in his team’s ability to address these shortcomings. “It’s a learning experience. We’ve been in tricky situations before, and the team has always responded,” he said.

Looking Ahead

With Manchester United next on the schedule, Arsenal will need to bring their best form to avoid any slip-ups. The Red Devils, known for their counter-attacking prowess, will look to exploit any gaps in Arsenal’s defense.

Arteta’s warning serves as a reminder that every detail counts in the race for the Premier League title. Arsenal’s commanding lead at the top is a testament to their quality, but maintaining that position will require consistent focus and discipline.

Takeaways from the Match

1. Attacking Brilliance: Arsenal’s first-half performance showcased their ability to dismantle defenses with speed and precision. Players like Saka and Martinelli were instrumental in creating chances and converting opportunities.
2. Defensive Concerns: The quick goals conceded underscored the need for greater defensive organization, particularly when in a dominant position.
3. Team Resilience: Arsenal’s response to West Ham’s resurgence was commendable, with Saka’s penalty effectively ending any hopes of a comeback for the hosts.
4. Focus on Game Management: Arteta’s post-match comments emphasized the importance of controlling the tempo and avoiding unnecessary risks, especially when leading.

The Path Forward

As Arsenal prepare for the second half of the season, their aspirations for a major trophy remain within reach. Arteta’s team has shown they can dominate games, but ironing out lapses in concentration will be crucial to sustaining their momentum.

With a nine-point lead at the top of the Premier League, Arsenal are in a strong position to contend for the title. However, as Arteta highlighted, there is no room for complacency. The Gunners’ ability to learn from games like this will determine their success in the months ahead.

For Arsenal fans, the match against West Ham was a thrilling yet sobering reminder of the fine margins in football. While the team’s talent and potential are undeniable, their journey to the summit will require discipline, focus, and the ability to adapt to challenges.

In Arteta’s words, “Yes, the game against West Ham was crazy, but only because we made it so. The goal is to make sure we don’t give opponents the chance to make it crazy again.”

The focus now shifts to Manchester United, where Arsenal will look to continue their winning streak and solidify their position as the league’s frontrunners. As the season progresses, the lessons learned from each game will shape their destiny in the race for silverware.