If Manchester City’s recent struggles provide solace for Arsenal, Liverpool’s stealthy ascent to the summit has kept the margin for error tight. Will Mikel Arteta ultimately bear the brunt of Martin Ødegaard’s absence? No one can deny the playmaker’s significance and the boost his return has provided, even if this London derby victory might be most remembered for Arsenal’s set-piece prowess.

West Ham’s defeat, particularly in a goal-laden first half, shifts the pressure back onto Julen Lopetegui. Their victory at Newcastle was well-timed, but public sentiment now sways against him. Those yearning for creativity, freedom of expression, and enjoyment might be better off attending events at the Abba Arena on the Stratford campus or simply watching Arsenal. If Hammers fans have always valued grit, it was only briefly on display.

Arsenal scored five goals by halftime against an opponent confounded by both set-piece sophistication and swift movement, with three goals in just nine minutes causing significant damage. Despite a brief resurgence by West Ham, the home fans were left either disgruntled or in stony silence thereafter.

The breakthrough in a memorable first half, featuring seven goals, came after 10 minutes. It was another personal triumph for Nicolas Jover, the special teams coach. As Bukayo Saka prepared, Arsenal’s players moved to the far end of the penalty box and then rushed to the ball in a pre-planned move reminiscent of an NFL linebackers’ blitz. Michail Antonio, tasked with marking Gabriel Magalhães, was blocked, and the defender headed in his fourth goal of the season, marking Arsenal’s 20th goal from a corner since the start of last season.

Stockley Park’s VAR team confirmed that Crysencio Summerville was offside from Jarrod Bowen’s pass. An equalizer would have been against the run of play. Arsenal dominated midfield and defense, benefiting from a settled squad and fewer injury issues, apart from the long-term absence of Ben White. Saka could have put the Gunners two goals ahead when Ødegaard surged forward.

The corner routine, newly introduced for the occasion, was repeated, but Lukasz Fabianski saved from Jurriën Timber. Instead, Arsenal’s second goal came from open play, with Saka and Ødegaard setting up a tap-in for Leandro Trossard, with Kai Havertz also waiting in the wings.

West Ham’s woes deepened with Arsenal’s third goal, a penalty where Emerson Palmieri and Lucas Paquetá brought down Saka. By the 36th minute, Havertz had slotted a fourth, with Paquetá losing possession and Maximilian Kilman making a futile, clumsy attempt to stop Trossard’s looping pass. This farce sent Hammers fans to the concourse for refuge.

Those seeking solace missed Aaron Wan-Bissaka scoring his second goal in a week to reduce the deficit. Arsenal’s defenders, previously dominant, held a post-match discussion. Next, Emerson briefly gave home fans hope with a stunning free-kick. Were Arsenal about to replicate City’s collapse against Feyenoord? Arteta, arms folded, began pacing the sidelines. Lopetegui, exiled to the executive boxes, was now barking instructions through his headset.

A frankly absurd half ended fully in Arsenal’s favor. Fabianski was penalized for punching Gabriel after another corner—a rare offense considering other goalkeepers’ antics. Saka elected to take the penalty and did so successfully.

Gabriel did not return for the second half, replaced by Jakub Kiwior. Riccardo Calafiori moved to center-back, and without their key player, Arsenal abandoned their corner routines for orthodox crosses into the box. Arsenal resumed their dominance of possession as many Hammers fans were slow to return to their seats, some having missed three goals. The half-time introduction of Edson Álvarez for Summerville by Lopetegui did not immediately slow the flow, but Antonio did have a shot deflected wide as the midfield became busier, less open for Arsenal to showcase their skills.

Concerns arose when Saka went down with an injury, though he soon resumed. When Ødegaard clutched his foot in pain, deeper concerns surfaced. Arsenal’s ambitions are tied to the fragile physical condition of their players, and there was relief that both emerged from minor emergencies, with news awaited on Gabriel.

The second-half highlights of a contest long decided probably came in the cameo appearance of teenage sensation Ethan Nwaneri. The visiting Gunners fans could enjoy an evening of certainty in a season where the script has been torn up.

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