Arsenal returned to Premier League action with a hard-fought three points as they struggled to make up for the absence of Gabriel Jesus as Bukayo Saka. And Gabriel Martinelli inspired a second-half turnaround against West Ham United.
Arteta’s side thought they had taken the lead within five minutes when Bukayo Saka fired high into Lukasz Fabianski’s net, but the flag was raised early for a cross. The Gunners had been off to a great start even before then as they looked to maintain their record of never losing at home to David Moyes.
Arsenal were not immediately concerned after falling behind and continued to threaten for the rest of the first half.
West Ham had two chances in a row just after half time when Aaron Ramsdale produced a crucial save for Michael Antonio, but it was only a slip before the hosts regained momentum.
Nketiah’s vindication and Saliba’s quick return against West Ham United
Back-to-back runs were the order of the day from the start and Arsenal almost capitalized when the 23-year-old missed wide before Saka opened the scoring. There were more impressive touches from the leader in the first period as Craig Dawson and Thilo Kehrer were forced to guard the visitors.
When it came to goal, it was the kind of drive and confidence many expected from Nketiah, even if they didn’t already. (- and it was more about when than if -). Arsenal may yet decide they need a new striker come January, but Nketiah has shown that he deserves the chance from him.
William Saliba only trained twice after returning from the World Cup. The France international only played once in Qatar, so it was more about rust than exhaustion. Less than half an hour later, the debate over his release intensified. There was danger when Bowen stepped into Arsenal territory, but Saliba’s challenge was savage and some might argue needlessly.
In the end, however, Arsenal did not have to pay for their loss. They hope it will be the case that one of their star players returns to form without major losses after a busy few weeks with a lot on the line.
Wenger impressed by Saka
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Granit Xhaka was Wenger’s only signing in the starting XI against West Ham, although the legendary former manager also made Nketiah his debut. However, it was proof that this is indeed Mikel Arteta’s team.
Wenger said that he hoped to meet Bukayo Saka when he did not introduce himself to the couple. Judging by the young Englishman’s performance, the Frenchman probably impressed even before his goal.
Despite Michael Oliver pointing it out, many West Ham fans aren’t entirely convinced. His penalty record was 50% before the trip to north London, with efforts from Declan Rice and Jarrod Bowen saved earlier in the season. That paved the way for Benrahma to start against Bournemouth in October.
He did it again at the Emirates Stadium to make it two for two. However, it was only his eighth start of the season in the league and there will surely be times when he is not on the pitch when his team is punished.
However, this is the least of West Ham’s problems. More worryingly, the way they were dismantled for a fourth successive loss leaves them hovering just above the top three, and the return of injured central defenders Kurt Zouma and Nayef Aguerdi doesn’t come soon enough.
