If Manchester City’s wobbles hearten for Arsenal, Liverpool’s blindside run to the top has maintained the margin for error. Will Mikel Arteta end up counting the cost of Martin Ødegaard’s absence? Nobody can doubt the playmaker’s importance and the improvement his return has brought even if this London derby win may be best recalled for the proficiency of Arsenal’s set pieces.
West Ham’s manner of defeat, particularly in a goal-deluged first half, puts the pressure back on Julen Lopetegui. Victory at Newcastle had been well-executed, in the nick of the time, but public opinion now swings back against him. Those seeking creativity, freedom of expression and enjoyment may be better advised to attend the Abba Arena shown elsewhere on the Stratford campus. Or watching Arsenal. And if Hammers fans have always appreciated shows grit, it was only briefly in evidence.
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