Final Result: Sheffield United 0-6 Arsenal (Odegaard 5′. Bogle OG 13′, Martinelli 15′, Havertz 25′, Rice 39′, White 58′)
Arsenal XI (4-3-3): Raya; Kiwior, Saliba, Gabriel, White (Cedric 64′); Rice (Trossard 74′), Jorginho (Partey 64′), Odegaard; Martinelli (Jesus 64′), Saka (Vieira 46′), Havertz
Following the wins for Liverpool and Manchester City, Arsenal knew that anything less than three points at Bramall Lane would be unacceptable. Shockingly, Chris Wilder opted for a back four, deploying ex-Gunner, Auston Trusty, to battle the threat Bukayo Saka posed, which turned out to be disastrous for Sheffield United.
Arsenal opened the scoring early on when Martin Odegaard crept into the box to convert Declan Rice’s cut back into the danger area. Saka continued to make life a living Hell for Trusty, waltzing past him to get to the byline to drill the ball that clattered off Bogle for an unfortunate own goal.
Arsenal continued the onslaught and got rewarded for their efforts when Martinelli took the ball on, played a neat one-two with Jakub Kiwior before placing the ball home.
Chris Wilder responded to the mauling by replacing Oliver Norwood as early as the 16th minute for Osborn a left back. The Sheffield United midfielder was visibly disappointed with being taken off that early but that didn’t stop the inevitable from happening – more Arsenal goals.
Arsenal springboarded a swift counter attack and the referee let play go on when Martinelli was scythed down by a Sheffield United defender, but Kai Havertz took the ball on his stride and blasted the ball past the goalie. This was Havertz third goal in four games, taking his tally this season to seven. It’s evident that his confidence is at an all time high and he’s a far cry from the Havertz that struggled in the part of the season.
Rice made it five after some brilliant work from Odegaard and Saka and the Blades were sinking without trace. Saka was replaced at half time for Fabio Vieira, and the manager confirmed that Saka wasn’t feeling too well, which is crazy considering how influential he was in the game.
The Gunners took their foot off the gas in the second half and it was good to see Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus back in action, but the icing on the cake was duly served when Ben White smashed in a sixth after some intricate work from Havertz.
This was amazing and ruthless from Arsenal and right now, the goal difference is +45, which can play a vital role in the title run in.
The only downside to the victory was a suspected injury to Martinelli, and I hope it’s not too serious as he looked in discomfort and had to be assisted off the pitch. All roads lead to the next home game with Brentford with half an eye on the Liverpool vs Man City game.
Sayonara
