Three Things We Learned after Arsenal beat West Ham 5-2

Here's Ian Mills with his Three Things We Learned after the Gunners routed the Irons in East London to cap an excellent few days, after Mikel Arteta's side also hit five against Sporting Lisbon as well as three against Nottingham Forest 

We hit five goals before half time as we enjoyed another great away day at the London Stadium, writes Ian Mills. Here are three things that stood out for me.

1 - Back in the attacking groove –

Our feeble start to November now appears to be a distant memory as we hit 5 goals away from home for a second game running.

Gabriel, Leandro Trossard and Kai Havertz added to their midweek goals whilst our Starboy – Bukayo Saka  - found the back of the net for a third game running, he also added two further assists and won Sky Sports Man of the Match.

It was great also to see Martin Odegaard back on the scoresheet with a well taken penalty. Gabriel Martinelli was given the evening off and the scoreline allowed both Odegaard and Saka a chance to take a breather ahead of the huge game against Manchester United next Wednesday.

2 - Rumours of our demise have been somewhat exaggerated –

Given the huge game at Anfield this weekend, this was a must win game. Ideally, we want a draw in that match however for the time being at least we have reduced Liverpool’s lead to six points as we moved ahead of the reigning Champion into second place. Our goal difference is now +12, 4 behind Liverpool and 7 ahead of City. Odegaard’s return has galvanised the side and greased the attacking cogs in this team as we have scored 13 times in our last three matches.

3 - Keeping concentration is key –

When Wan Bissaka scored what appeared a consolation goal it was the home side’s first shot on target. Yet within two minutes Emerson’s stunning free kick (albeit from a set piece that should never have been given as Declan Rice had clearly won the ball) had Arsenal’s nerves jangling. Saka’s penalty just before half time felt like an important goal at a crucial time as it diluted much of the Hammer’s resurgent spirit.

We need to learn to kill games off effectively if we are to mount a successful title challenge.

 Ian Mills