After struggling to pick up wins in the Premier League, 3 have come at once as Arsenal built upon victories against Chelsea and Brighton with a flowing 4-0 win over West Brom.
During a snowy evening at The Hawthorns last Saturday, Arsenal put together their best display of the season with fluid attacking football which has been lacking for most of the season. It was a feel good night for Arsenal’s cult heroes in particular, with Tierney and Saka putting in as close to 10/10 performances as you can get.
Tierney’s opener summed up what we all love about him, determination and directness. Upon receiving the ball wide on the left flank, Tierney knocked it round his marker before chopping back as the defender overcommitted to block a potential cross. The Scotsman then drove into the box and curled a shot with his weaker right foot into the far corner to round off a spectacular solo effort.
The first goal was hard to beat, but Arsenal managed it with the second. Bellerín laid the ball off to Smith Rowe as Arsenal entered the attacking third, starting a classic Wenger-esque goal. Smith Rowe played it to Saka who turned and found Lacazette. He played back to Smith Rowe who had continued his run before squaring for Saka who tapped it in. It was vintage Arsenal inspired by the youngsters Saka and Smith Rowe, emphasising their growing importance.
The snow began to settle during half time which slowed the ball down for the second half, but that did not slow Arsenal down. The lead was extended as Saka beat his man to deliver a cross which was turned onto the post by West Brom defender Semi Ajayi. The ball fell to Smith Rowe whose shot was blocked before falling to Lacazette for the easy finish.
Arteta equalled his biggest win as a manager when Lacazette got his brace in the 64th minute to make it 4-0. Arsenal kickstarted a counter attack with the ball eventually making its way to Tierney down the left. Tierney delivered a dangerous cross, setting up Lacazette, who could not miss.
The game was an extension of the last 2 games, Tierney, Lacazette and the youngsters leading the charge and providing much needed energy and attacking threat. In this game, the supporting cast also stepped up with improved performances, partly down to West Brom’s lack of intensity but partly due to improved effort and growing confidence.
Arsenal have had an active first week in the transfer window with some good business being completed. Kolasinac has returned to Shalke on loan, taking a paycut in the process. The Bosnian has been a good servant to the club over the past few years but it has been clear for a while that his time at Arsenal was over and shifting on his wages is helpful. William Saliba has been loaned to French side Nice to get first team football – which he had not played since March prior to his start vs Stade Brest on Wednesday. Any move to get Saliba playing games is a positive and hopefully he can get himself ready to be involved at Arsenal for the start of next season.
On Thursday Arsenal announced the signing of 19 year old Dutch centre back Omar Rekik from Hertha Berlin for a fee of £540,000. He is a relatively unknown quantity but given his age and the fee it is a relatively risk free deal. On Friday Arsenal announced that Matt Macey has joined Hibernian on a free transfer. Macey managed just 2 appearances for the Arsenal first team during his time at the club so his departure makes sense for all parties. To fill the third keeper role, 19 year old Arthur Okonkwo has been training with the first team over the past week.
The hottest rumour of the week has been Mesut Özil to leave on loan to either DC United or Fenerbahçe. The Özil saga has been tiring over the past couple of years and Arteta made it clear that Özil had no place when he did not register him for either the Premier League or Europa League squads. Özil has had some great years in an Arsenal shirt but it is best for everyone to move on and the sooner that can be done the better.
Arsenal face Newcastle at home in the 3rd round of the FA Cup at 5:30pm on Saturday. Arteta will likely use this as an opportunity to rotate some of his key players from recent weeks and could also use this game to return Thomas Partey to the squad.
Prediction: Arsenal 1-0
Adam Perry - 8/01/2021