The Gunners were at their very best against a hapless West Ham United side as Alexis Sanchez, Mesut Ozil and Alex Oxlaide-Chamberlain all got on the score-sheet to slam 5 past the Hammers and send them one step closer to the relegation zone
Arsene Wenger’s men showed no mercy to their relegation threatened opposition, not that West Ham made it any easier on themselves on the night. Many would argue that Arsenal should have possibly scored more and created even more chances, given the possession they enjoyed through large parts of the game.
However, the last 20 minutes showed exactly what they were capable of and why they are legitimate title contenders, right up there with the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Sanchez Must Be Secured
55 goals in 113 appearances for Arsene Wenger’s side, out of which 13 of those goals have come this season in a mere 19 appearances. He was deployed as a number 9 or a striker against West Ham and duly showed why he deserves a huge contract with a stunning hattrick, in only 14 minutes.
The Chilean has a contract until the summer of 2018 and negotiations are underway, but there is no sign of progress. Not keeping him would severely hamper Arsenal’s chances to keep challenging for trophies domestically and in Europe.
Fans were demanding that the two-time Copa America winner be given a new contract and be paid whatever he desired and with performances like that, it would be extremely foolish to let him go.
Awesome Ozil
Much like Sanchez, the World Cup winner too is amidst contract negotiations. He has a contract which runs until 2018 and in recent week he has been linked with a return to former club Real Madrid. This season he has scored 8 goals provided 5 assists in all competitions this season.
He has been, alongside Sanchez, Arsenal’s most important player and losing him would significantly reduce the quality within their ranks. The faster Arsenal reach an agreement with the German international, the better. He is currently on course to have his best individual season with the London outfit and that is also the more reason to reward him with a hefty contract.
Contrasting Chamberlain
The 23-year-old had a good match overall last night, but in the first half he seemed a little off his game. Momentary lapses in focus made him seem a bit lost initially but later, he found his stride and had one of the best games in an Arsenal shirt.
The Englishman managed to score a stunning goal, a curling effort from distance in the 84th minute, which was Arsenal’s 4th goal of the night. Chamberlain has made 20 appearances for Arsenal in all competitions this season, most of which have come from the bench and he has scored 6 goals and registered 5 assists to his name.
This performance, Cazorla’s injury and Iwobi’s dip in form could be the push he needs to finally break into their starting XI and stay there on a more consistent basis.
Staying Contenders
Historically, November hasn’t been kind to Arsenal but in the last month, draws against Tottenham, Manchester United, PSG and victories against Bournemouth and Southampton ensured that the Gunners emerged unbeaten, even if they did suffer some injuries along the way.
It is of utmost importance that Arsenal hold on to this momentum and don’t let things slip. They are currently only 3 points behind League leaders Chelsea with some tricky fixtures coming their way, with Stoke City at home, Everton away and then Manchester City at the Etihad.
They have an easy January and they won’t need reminding of how important it is to get maximum points in those fixtures if they are to keep pushing for the title. There’s still half a season left, and Wenger must make sure his side don’t get complacent and lose their momentum.
