So much for bogey teams. In a week that Mikel Arteta?s side 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 laid down the gauntlet in the title race with a convincing victory.
Other than the concerning sight of first Martin ?degaard and then opening goalscorer Declan Rice having to be replaced due to injuries, this was a most satisfying afternoon for Arteta on his 300th match in charge. While 16% of Arsenal?s goals under the Spaniard have come from set-pieces ? a figure only surpassed 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.
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