Arsenal took a giant step towards the Premier League title by beating West Ham 0-1 at the London Stadium. A goal from Leandro Trossard in the 83rd minute sparked euphoria among the Gunners fans, who see their team closing in on a league they haven't won since 2004. The match, corresponding to matchday 36, was not without refereeing controversy, with several disputed decisions keeping the tension high until the final whistle.
Tactical analysis: patience as Mikel Arteta's weapon 🧠
Mikel Arteta's approach was based on suffocating high pressing and patient ball circulation to wear down West Ham's defensive block. Possession stats (65% for Arsenal) reflect control of the match, but the lack of depth in the first 70 minutes highlighted the home side's defensive solidity. The introduction of Trossard as a false nine, instead of a reference striker, created spaces in the opponent's area that the Belgian exploited with a breaking run and a crossed shot adjusted to the post, a move rehearsed in training during the week.
VAR, that friend who always arrives late 😅
While Trossard celebrated his goal, VAR reviewed for three minutes whether there was offside. In the end, yes, he was onside by millimeters, the same ones that the human eye doesn't detect but a computer program does. Meanwhile, West Ham fans wondered if the referee would also scrutinize Gabriel's handballs in a previous corner. VAR has the answer, but it's surely already on its break.