Mikel Arteta highlighted Declan Rice’s set-piece skills as the key to Arsenal’s resounding victory against the midfielder’s boyhood club.
Rice provided two assists from set pieces in the first half for William Saliba and Gabriel, sending the Gunners on their way, before scoring a stunning goal from outside the area.
Arteta said: ‘I’m very happy with him (Rice). I know it was an emotional day for him because he loves West Ham so much.
‘But he had to concentrate on the task and what he had to accomplish. Set pieces were one of those because when we have certain players on the field, they are a better threat outside the box than inside the box.
“It’s always difficult to go back to your old club. The fans were very good to him (Rice). When he went to take the corner they applauded him, so it’s great to see that kind of reception.
Former Hammers captain Declan Rice scores excellent effort for Arsenal
Arsenal fans delightfully celebrate Rice’s goal, holding the England international’s shirt in the stands.
Rice screamed from outside the box as Arsenal cruised to a 6-0 victory.
“He loves this club very much and I know what it meant to him to play today.”
The victory left Arteta believing his team now have the momentum to be genuine title contenders after beating Liverpool 3-1.
“Yes, we are now maintaining and generating some momentum,” he said.
“After the game against Liverpool we had to show that we had the capacity to repeat that level or be better. That’s how we trained all week.
‘Performances and results have been solid in recent weeks. We need to maintain that because other teams are doing it too. We are not the only ones. We have to admit it, so now let’s move on to Burnley.”
Bukayo Saka scored two goals and reached the 50-goal mark for his club after he and his team “smelled blood.”
Mikel Arteta praised his midfielders providing two set-piece assists in the first half for William Saliba and Gabriel, which set the Gunners on their way.
Bukayo Saka scored two goals and reached the 50-goal mark for his club after he and his team “smelled blood.”
“We were up four to nil in the first half and we could have scored a lot more, including myself,” Saka said. “I think today we smelled blood and went to kill.
“We did very well by scoring more. I’m very happy we achieved it (50 goals at Arsenal). I’m proud of that. But I’m not sure I can be happy today. I missed some chances that I thought I could have scored.”