Arsenal conquer West Ham: Key talking points
What's the story
Arsenal, finally, saw the winning side of things after they defeated West Ham, last night with the scoreline reading 3-1. However, their weaknesses and frailties in certain areas were still on display, which might create problems for the Gunners in their encounters against tougher opponents. Emery, after the win, said his players 'need to improve'. Here are key talking points.
Defense
Arsenal's defense is weak
Last night, West Ham managed to put 13 shots on target, and Peter Cech was kept quite busy throughout the match. Notably, a Snodgrass one-on-one with Cech could have also been netted in. Emery's defense needs to learn to soak in pressure since superior teams like Tottenham, Liverpool, or Manchester City will not miss as many chances like West Ham.
Tactics
Arsenal were not comfortable without the ball
When the ball was with the Hammers, Arsenal players looked rather confused and helpless. However, a team, which plays on counter-attacks, needs to be confident off the ball and this spirit was lacking in the North London side. Arsenal central backs should be more agile because when they were moving out to the flanks, penetrating their defense was easy for the Hammers.
Attack
Arsenal's attack has some fire in them
Instances of the firepower, that the Gunners possess in the attacking third, were on display in last night's performance. They started well, dominated the midfield and Guendouzi again shone in his position. However, the flair seemed to evaporate as the match progressed, and this issue might get resolved once Ozil comes back in his position. The German fell ill during training and couldn't participate.
Hammers
West Ham are now at the bottom of the table
If Arsenal's defense was bad, West Ham's was more appalling. Diop even scored an own goal that helped the Gunners edge past in the 70th minute, causing considerable damage to the team's morale. If it was not for their custodian Fabianski, Pellegrini's side would have been humiliated by the end of affairs. The management needs to ponder over where their £100 mn went.
Information
Diop made a record he will not be proud of
West Ham's Issa Diop was playing in his debut EPL match, last night, when in the 70th minute he netted in an own goal. This has made him the 8th player ever in history to score an own goal in his debut match in EPL.