Arsenal finally registered a win with a comfortable 3-0 victory over West Ham on Wednesday night, moving Arsene Wenger’s side into 5th place and just four points behind Manchester City, with a game in hand.
The Gunners were definitely the better of the two sides from start to finish and goals from Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and substitute Olivier Giroud were enough to ensure that Wenger’s side took three points.
It was a much-needed result for the Gunners as the pressure has been building inside of the club which has been threatening to reach breaking point and Arsenal fans on Twitter finally had more reasons for positivity than they have had in recent weeks. Mesut Ozil, who scored the opener, was widely praised for his performance after the match.
No, we haven’t forgotten how to win ??? @Arsenal #COYG #Thereslifeintheoldladyyet pic.twitter.com/vQJ4lvGRC2
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzil1088) April 5, 2017
Ozil is by far our best player. Even if Sanchez scores 40 league goals Ozil would still be our best player. Nah care wat u think #Arsenal
— One Arsene Wenger. (@Djofils) April 5, 2017
Mesut Özil’s Arsenal career:
– 150 appearances
– 30 goals
– 51 assists
– 468 chances createdCreator in chief. 〽️ pic.twitter.com/l7VdGQYmh5
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzilStats) April 5, 2017
Mesut Özil has been directly involved in 20 goals (10 goals, 10 assists) in 33 appearances for Arsenal this season.
Great return. pic.twitter.com/T4Xyxn6dMU
— Mesut Özil (@MesutOzilStats) April 5, 2017
Peep Ozil back covering LB doing Alexis’ job but after the game you’ll be told he doesn’t defend
— Ever, Greatest (@FaithInWenger) April 5, 2017
2 – Mesut Ozil has scored & assisted in the same PL game for the 2nd time this season, the other being in the away game v West Ham. Hammered
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) April 5, 2017
Ozil to carry Arsenal back into a respectable position just like 14-15, star man
— OPEN SEASON (@SemperIiber) April 5, 2017
21 G/A’s for Mesut Özil this season. Hasn’t been as his best but still been a key player this season. Arsenal fans disrespect him too much
— ♛AÖ♕ (@AssistantOzil) April 5, 2017
Theo Walcott was also praised after scoring for the second match in a row. Tweeters were quick to point out that Walcott’s numbers this season have been respectable given Arsenal’s poor form.
Walcott scores his 19th goal of the season thanks to fantastic build up play for Alexis & Özil. #afc pic.twitter.com/1rU8eZbrvT
— Arsenal (@AFCvideosHD) April 5, 2017
19 goals in 32 appearances for Theo Walcott this season.
— Gingers for Limpar (@Gingers4Limpar) April 5, 2017
Walcott is one of the most technically limited footballers in the league, yet he has 19 goals this season. Such an efficient/clever player.
— Magnifiqué (@GameChangerEW) April 5, 2017
Walcott is basically our Dele Alli tbh. Just a bad footballer with amazing end product.
— Jubz (@TheWengerWay) April 5, 2017
He’s a limited footballer but you just can’t argue with Walcott’s numbers. Every injury free season he produces 20+ goals and assists.
— Daniel Zeqiri (@ZeqiriDan) April 5, 2017
19 goals for Theo Walcott this season. His second most prolific season after scoring 21 in 2012/13.
Huge improvement compared to last year.
— Mahmoud Jaber (@MahmuudJaber) April 5, 2017
Granit Xhaka has been coming under heavy criticism this season given his disciplinary record and the amount he cost but the midfielder put in a fine performance on Wednesday night and Arsenal fans were quick to show their appreciation.
Granit Xhaka, when used right, is a thing of beauty to watch operating. Pulling the strings.
— Pádraig 〽️ (@VintageOzil) April 5, 2017
Much better from Arsenal tonight. Happy with Gabriel & Mustafi but most impressed by Xhaka who is beginning to purr. 3 very welcome points.
— FK³ (@fkhanage) April 5, 2017
Granit Xhaka vs. West Ham:
1 shot
120 passes
89% pass accuracy
133 touches
2 dribbles completed
4 tackles
2 aerial duels won#afc pic.twitter.com/AlmVWrI5oB— afcstuff (@afcstuff) April 5, 2017
What a game yesterday. Really feels good to see Özil getting a goal and Two assist in last two games. Glad we have Xhaka, Unreal.
— Arsenal (@ArsenalPoper) April 6, 2017
Xhaka has been extremely influential in the last 2 games and he commanded the mf much better alongside Elneny.
— Schrutir Jain (@Schrutir_Jain) April 6, 2017
Granit Xhaka was the only Premier League player to complete 100+ passes during midweek.
Passes in every part of the pitch. ? pic.twitter.com/a5BQbzVHqU
— Squawka Football (@Squawka) April 5, 2017
Xhaka with 4 tackles, 8 ball recoveries & 107 passes. Small sample but that’s basically Kante & Xabi Alonso amalgamated into one body.
— Magnifiqué (@GameChangerEW) April 5, 2017
Thought Granit Xhaka was excellent tonight. Some terrific passing and positioning. Good to see.
— gunnerblog (@gunnerblog) April 5, 2017
Xhaka outstanding tonight:
107/120 passes
2 chances created
8 ball recoveries
4 tacklesMan of the match pic.twitter.com/kpxQ1b8vOi
— Jase The GÖÖNER (@JaseTheGooner) April 5, 2017
Xhaka is pure class
— afc (@LinkUpPlay) April 5, 2017