The debate over whether Arsenal can handle a Premier League title run-in just grew louder. After falling short last season despite holding an eight-point lead at the beginning of April, the principal challenge this time around for manager Mikel Arteta was evolving the Gunners into a more robust proposition to last the pace.
A row will continue over the opening goal given the ball may have drifted out of play as Jarrod Bowen pulled it back for Tomás Soucek to score after 13 minutes. VAR official Craig Pawson took a long look but no camera angle could conclusively overturn the on-field decision and a goal was awarded. Regardless, Arsenal lacked the composure associated with serial title-winners. Their defending — which led to Gabriel Magalhaes hitting the ball against Oleksandr Zinchenko to give Bowen a chance to pounce — was calamitous on the first goal. Their response in possession was even more troubling. Wasting chances at one end and conceding another soft goal at the other was a recipe for disaster.
The pre-match talk of a summer signing coming back to haunt his former club came to pass but not in the manner anyone expected. This ended up being a night to forget for Declan Rice as ex-Arsenal defender Konstantinos Mavropanos scored his first Premier League goal with an excellent 55th-minute header. Rice’s form has been a big factor in Arsenal’s apparent evolution but, in a moment that perfectly encapsulated their regression here, he gave away a penalty in stoppage time, bringing arguably the biggest cheer of the night from the away end.
Arteta has rightly praised the home atmosphere in recent times, given the transformation from the toxic disconnect that provided the soundtrack to the end of Arsene Wenger’s time in charge — but there was a tension in the air against the Hammers that did not dissipate all evening. There wasn’t the maturity in Arsenal’s play that we have come to expect, perhaps most obviously evidenced by their play in the final third. Gabriel Jesus headed the ball over on 66 minutes and Martin Odegaard forced Alphonse Areola into a fine save at the end, but there was little else of note despite registering 77 touches in West Ham’s box — the most on record since 2008-09 in a single Premier League match for a team who failed to score.
Their failure in front of goal will also only strengthen the argument a new striker is needed in January. “All we have is the players we have, the players I love the most,” said Arteta. “What we have to do is try to get better situations, more training, raise the confidence and that’s it. They’ve done it [before].”
West Ham and manager David Moyes continue to defy expectations. After winning last season’s Europa Conference League and selling Rice for a club-record fee, they now find themselves in sixth place on 33 points, the highest figure they have ever collected at this stage of a Premier League season. No wonder Moyes suggested the club is “getting ready to talk” about a new contract with his existing deal expiring at the end of the season. Thursday was West Ham’s first win in this fixture since 2015 and, more remarkably, Moyes’ first league away win at Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Manchester United in 73 attempts.
Arsenal, meanwhile, are in a different place. They believe they can be the top team. But this defeat showed there is more work to do.
Arsenal’s defeat against West Ham highlights their ongoing struggles in handling a title run-in. The lack of composure, defensive errors, and wastefulness in front of goal raise questions about their ability to compete at the highest level. Additionally, the need for a new striker becomes more apparent as they continue to struggle to convert their numerous chances. On the other hand, West Ham’s surprising success under David Moyes showcases their ability to exceed expectations and grow as a team. As Arsenal aims to become a top team once again, they must address their weaknesses and continue to evolve. Only time will tell if they can rise to the challenge and secure a Premier League title.
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