Strikes from Mesut Ozil, Theo Walcott and Olivier Giroud saw off a struggling West Ham United. Although Arsene Wenger’s men secured the victory in front of a far from full Emirates Stadium.
This win has surely only papered over the cracks at Arsenal but it was still needed, nonetheless.
Meanwhile, West Ham suffered their 5th straight league defeat to further heighten relegation fears for Slaven Bilic’s men.
After a quiet first half, Ozil converted a well-taken goal from the edge of the box. The German scoring on his 150th appearance for the North London club.
After a deserved first, Arsenal then took full ascendancy. Ozil was involved again just 10 minutes later, playing a one-two with Alexis Sanchez, who crossed for Walcott to score from close range.
The third was the best of the bunch. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fed Giroud, who curled an eye-catching effort into the back of the net.
Tonight’s victory was just Arsenal’s second in their last 7 Premier League games. They lost 4 of those fixtures, to leave their Champions League hopes hanging by a thread. They have now risen to 5th, 4 points off Manchester City in fourth.
Slip-ups from City, Manchester United and Liverpool this mid-week have aided their cause as they seek to salvage morsels from a disappointing season. The FA Cup will be their only shot at silverware for another campaign.
Player Ratings
Emiliano Martinez – 7
Looked solid in goal and stood up when called upon. Took his opportunity tonight!
Hector Bellerin – 7
Looked composed defensively but shone with some impressive forward runs of which he has become well known for. A good evening for the Barcelona target!
Shkodran Mustafi – 7
Didn’t have much to do but was up to the task when called upon.
Gabriel – 8
The Brazilian was a commanding figure in defence and stood out at the back for the Gunners. A really strong performance.
Nacho Monreal – 7
Put in a disciplined performance tonight, having received plenty of criticism for recent showings. Managed to keep the lively Andre Ayew in his pocket for most of the game.
Mohamed Elneny – 7
The Egyptian controlled the midfield in a display that would have caught his manager’s eye. Had one or two moments of high class.
Granit Xhaka – 7
The controversial midfielder was decent on this occasion. Xhaka has become infamous for his foul play but in tonight’s match, he was a dominant figure in the centre of the park.
Mesut Ozil – 9 (Man of the Match)
Scored a good goal to open the floodgates, as the World Cup winner produced a repost to his critics. Was at his creative best, opening up the West Ham defence on several occasions.
Alexis Sanchez – 8
Provided a constant threat down the left-hand side in an all-action display. The Chilean linked up well with Ozil through-out. Most notably for the second goal!
Theo Walcott – 8
Tapped-in the second of the night and made plenty of positive runs. Produced some nice touches and flicks in a good showing.
Danny Welbeck – 6
The England striker had an average match. Showed glimpses of what he can provide but didn’t display his best form before being replaced. An opportunity wasted!
Subs:
Olivier Giroud – 6
Made an impact. Scored the final goal of the night with a well taken curled effort with his left foot.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7
Created Giroud’s goal with a good ball and showed some nice touches after replacing fellow Englishman Theo Walcott.
Aaron Ramsey – 6
Was not given enough time on the pitch to make a proper impact.
