The Gunners had never before achieved such a significant victory playing away in the Premier League. This historic win marked a remarkable milestone for Arsenal, showcasing their dominance and prowess on the field.
Arsenal, with Cédric Soares coming off the bench in the 77th minute, clinched an emphatic 6-0 victory over West Ham in Sunday's Premier League derby, marking their 24th round of the season.
This historic win, Arsenal's largest away victory in the league's history, came at a critical moment, especially as the team prepares for a challenging Champions League round of 16 encounter against FC Porto, with the first leg set to be played at the Dragão on February 21.
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal's manager, expressed immense satisfaction with his team's performance, underscoring the significance of such a result against a traditionally tough opponent in their home ground. Arteta's pride in making history was evident as he urged his team to capitalize on their current form and carry the momentum forward into the upcoming fixtures. The motivation to amend recent losses to West Ham [0-2 and 1-3 defeats] evidently spurred the team to a remarkable victory.
Bukayo Saka's exceptional performance, netting two goals, one of which was from the penalty spot, and Declan Rice's goal against his former club were particular highlights. Arteta lavished praise on Saka for his consistency, attitude, and quality, highlighting the rarity of finding such attributes in a player of his age. Rice's emotional return to West Ham and his respectful reception from the fans underscored the deep connections that exist within football, with Arteta acknowledging the significance of the moment for Rice.
Arteta's commendation of the team's collective goal-scoring effort and their desire and commitment to create opportunities emphasized the importance of teamwork and collective effort in achieving success. This victory not only solidifies Arsenal's position in the Premier League but also sends a strong message to their Champions League opponents, demonstrating their offensive prowess and team cohesion.
As Arsenal remains in third place, level on points with Manchester City and just two points behind leaders Liverpool, the victory over West Ham represents more than just three points; it's a statement of intent and a showcase of their potential as they navigate the latter stages of the season. Meanwhile, the defeat adds pressure to West Ham, who find themselves in a battle for European qualification, highlighting the competitive nature of the Premier League.
