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 Gunner 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. Trossard's introduction as a false nine, instead of a reference striker, created spaces in the opposition area that the Belgian exploited with a breaking run and a curled shot against 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 he was offside. In the end, yes, he was onside by millimeters, exactly the same ones the human eye doesn't detect but a computer program does. Meanwhile, West Ham fans wondered if the referee would also scrutinize Gabriel's handball in a previous corner. The answer lies with VAR, but it's surely already on its break.