Mikel Arteta claims Arsene Wenger, former Arsenal boss, chose the right moment to make a return at the Emirates. The Gunners kept their race intact with their win over West Ham United.
A young Gunners squad was lagging in the first half of the match. Yet they made a comeback, sealing a victory. They kept their hopes alive for the title, moving 7 points clear on top of the table.
It was a rare sight to spot Arsene Wenger, to be present at the Emirates. Mikel Arteta stressed on his presence, influencing the morale of his team and the club.
Arsene Wenger won the Premier league title with Arsenal in 2003-2004 season, and it was the last time they won the league. Fans are awaiting the title to come home for the last 15 years.
Action at the Emirates
Home ground of Arsenal, Emirates stadium, witnessed an amazing spectacle in battle between the hosts and West Ham United. Initially, the hosts were trailing behind.
West Ham took the lead when Jarrod Bowen got fouled by William Saliba. Said Benrahma confidently led the ball from the spot, scoring the goal for the lead. Arsenal fans expressed their frustration at lagging.Â
The lead of West Ham prevailed in the first half of the game.
Thirteen times Premier League winners playing at home bounced back stronger in the second half. Bukayo Saka easily tapped in a mis-hit shot by Martin Odegaard. The atmosphere in the Emirates felt better once the hosts scored and levelled.
The equalizer revived the hopes of the fans and the team to strive for victory.
Gabriel Martinelli fulfilled the wishes of the fans like a Santa Claus. From a tight angle, he looked like he would cross the ball, but he netted it from an unlikely angel, putting the hosts on a lead.
Eddie Nketiah filled the void of Gabriel Jesus in the striking position. He scored sealing the win and points for the south London club when he dribbled across the defence and shot on the opposite bottom corner.
The London based football club maintained their position on top of the table. New Castle won against Leicester City and became second behind them.
Arsenal Displays Arteta’s Magic
Mikel Arteta has lit the flame of a Gunners Premier League title with his showcase. The fans are believing in his abilities. They genuinely believe that the club can finish on the top.
The Gunners had last won the title 15 years prior with legendary coach Arsene Wenger.
Wenger from the stand witnessed the fans screaming and singing Arteta’s name, which was a stimulus for the players.
Boxing Day’s match emerged on Arteta’s 3rd anniversary as the Arsenal coach and things have gone upwards since then. When the former Arsenal player took control, they was suffering in the league.
Their present form and performance are evidence of the changes that Arteta has brought about.
Arteta in these years built a team which was young and passionate about the game of football. All his investments are now paying their dues. By coming from behind and winning, the Gunners shot a message of their willingness to lift the trophy and prove themselves.
The omens are also in their favour. Ten out of 13 times in the past seasons, the team which has topped the Premier League table at Christmas has won the title.
Challenges to the Title
The club has shown promise in the title race and might become champions. However, the season is a marathon, and the second half of the league is still taking place.
Arteta’s side should not get carried away by their win, and try to maintain their performance. The Gunners will face Manchester City on the 15 February, 2024. In order to make their stand and path clearer, they have to put on a heart-wrenching show and win.
Winning every match from now will be the method towards the championship.
