Arteta delighted as Arsenal gain moentum with dominant victory over West Ham
Arsenal is regaining its momentum following a challenging period, and it is essential for the team to sustain this resurgence, stated manager Mikel Arteta (42) after his squad's impressive 5-2 victory over West Ham United on Saturday.
This win propelled Arsenal back to second place in the Premier League, signaling their return to form after a stretch of four consecutive league matches without a victory prior to the recent international break.
During a thrilling first half at the London Stadium, Gabriel, Leandro Trossard, captain Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, and Bukayo Saka all found the net, contributing to a total of 25 points for Arsenal, which places them six points behind Liverpool, who are set to face the struggling champions Manchester City at Anfield on Sunday.
"Indeed, we have gained some momentum. I believe we have regained our rhythm, and the determination to win consecutive matches against three different opponents is commendable," Arteta remarked to the media. His team had previously defeated Nottingham Forest 3-0 and followed that with a 5-1 victory against Sporting in the Champions League.
"We will relish this evening and look forward to enjoying a splendid football match tomorrow. We are currently in an excellent phase," he added. However, the Spaniard emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and preparing thoroughly, as his team is scheduled to host Manchester United in the Premier League on Wednesday.
The return of captain Odegaard, who had been sidelined for an extended period due to an ankle injury, has significantly benefited Arsenal. Additionally, Saka appeared revitalized after missing the last England camp due to a minor injury.
In addition to scoring a penalty, Saka provided two assists on Saturday, bringing his season total to 10 assists in 13 matches, which is four more than the next highest, Mohamed Salah.
"Remarkable. Scoring is the most challenging aspect of football, and a player who can perform in such critical moments has a tremendous impact on the outcome," Arteta commented regarding Saka's performance.
Saka was particularly dominant in the first half, as Arsenal showcased their superiority over their London rivals.
Today, we delivered an outstanding performance, achieving a significant number of goals. Our current style of play is commendable, and we aim to maintain this level of excellence, he stated. "We have returned to our optimal form, exhibiting fluidity and dynamism, and everyone is relishing this experience at the moment.
"This week has been exceptional for us. We have generated considerable momentum, and we are eager to carry this forward into the upcoming matches."
SportsLigue