Before delving into the tactical analysis of Arsenal’s victory over West Ham, it’s essential to address the controversial decision that led to the Hammers’ late equaliser being disallowed.
Many regular football viewers likely share the sentiment that the level of grappling during corners and set-pieces this season has become excessive.
There appears to be a growing consensus for stricter enforcement, as players often seem to evade punishment in these situations.
The irony of Callum Wilson’s 95th-minute goal being overturned by VAR for precisely this type of foul is not lost, given that Mikel Arteta’s side has frequently engaged in similar tactics without consequence.
Therefore, the frustration stemming from officials acting now, particularly when Arsenal benefited, is understandable. However, viewed in isolation, the decision was justified.
David Raya was impeded from raising his arm by Pablo, while Jean-Clair Todibo was pulling his shirt from behind to prevent him from jumping.
In effect, two fouls occurred. While Wilson’s finish was exceptional and provided the kind of dramatic moment that neutrals relish, the reality is that a foul is a foul, regardless of team allegiance.
The correct decision was made, and it’s important to acknowledge that it wasn’t the sole factor determining Arsenal‘s victory.
Luck played a role, and crucial moments such as Raya’s save from Mateus Fernandes and Gabriel’s block on Wilson, which led to the controversial corner, also contributed. However, Arteta deserves significant credit.
The nature of management means decisions won’t always be correct.
However, a good manager recognizes when a strategy isn’t working, takes risks, and implements changes.
Arteta demonstrated this. He made three substitutions against West Ham, and while the initial changes didn’t yield results, the final ones proved decisive in securing the win.
Arteta’s boldness, coupled with Arsenal‘s considerable squad depth, which has been frequently highlighted, enabled them to take a significant step towards the Premier League title.
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West Ham have injury-time goal disallowed as Arsenal go five clear
Arsenal began Sunday’s match with the necessary intent for a must-win game.
Their pressing was effective, they won second balls, and they transitioned quickly into forward passing and movement.
Watching the game for Match of the Day, it was immediately apparent that they were up for the challenge. They appeared strong and created several excellent early opportunities.
However, West Ham grew into the game, and Arteta’s initial substitution, bringing Martin Zubimendi on for the injured Ben White after 28 minutes, proved ineffective.
Arteta’s reasoning is understandable, as Arsenal were dominating when White left the field. West Ham‘s wing-backs were pinned back, allowing Riccardo Calafiori and White to see a lot of the ball in the Hammers’ half.
Arteta likely believed that Rice’s comfort on the ball meant he could remain at right-back, while Zubimendi’s technical ability made him a capable replacement in midfield to dictate play.
This would allow Rice to handle Crysencio Summerville athletically. While Cristhian Mosquera, a more traditional defender, was on the bench, Arteta aimed to maintain an attacking focus.
However, this didn’t unfold as planned. Arsenal lost momentum, and West Ham created a few chances before half-time, highlighting Rice’s significance in midfield.
Arteta adjusted at half-time, bringing Mosquera on at right-back, moving Myles Lewis-Skelly to left-back, and substituting Calafiori.
The removal of Calafiori was surprising, as he had been Arsenal‘s most significant goal threat in the first half, finding himself in excellent positions.
Nevertheless, bringing Rice back into midfield was the correct decision, and Arteta acted swiftly.
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Arteta praises officials’ courage for overturning West Ham equaliser
After half-time, Arsenal were defensively sound but struggled to create chances, lacking ideas and a scoring threat.
Arteta recognized this and made further changes, introducing Martin Odegaard and Kai Havertz for Eberechi Eze and Zubimendi after 67 minutes. With the score still 0-0, he replaced Bukayo Saka with Noni Madueke with 10 minutes remaining.
He substituted his substitute, a bold move, and shortly after, also removed Saka, arguably Arsenal‘s best attacking player until that point.
Had Arsenal failed to score, Arteta would have faced significant criticism for removing Saka and Eze.
It was another gamble, similar to the earlier changes, but this time it paid off.
Odegaard’s introduction injected energy into Arsenal‘s play.
His pressing ability set the tone for the team, and his passing was sharp and incisive. He began to play through West Ham‘s defensive line, delivering several excellent balls that created goal-scoring opportunities.
When the crucial moment arrived, he executed a perfect give-and-go with Rice, found space in the area, and calmly delivered a precise pass to Leandro Trossard.
Gabriel and Martin Odegaard celebrate at the final whistle of the Gunners’ victory over West Ham
While Odegaard’s capability was known, it hadn’t been consistently displayed recently. Although his season hasn’t been stellar, he was the player Arsenal needed on the ball at that critical moment.
These are the moments when key players deliver, highlighting the value of squad quality.
This has been a recurring theme for Arsenal‘s attacking players in recent weeks, both in the Premier League and in Europe.
Eze, Madueke, Havertz, Gyokeres and Saka have all contributed crucial goals at important times. Against West Ham, it was Odegaard and Trossard.
Arsenal are in a strong position, but their success isn’t reliant on a single player. Their squad depth is making the difference.
This is a result of their squad strength and key players performing in crucial moments. However, the narrative would be very different if Arteta’s decisions on Sunday hadn’t been successful.
Danny Murphy was speaking to BBC Sport’s Chris Bevan.