Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta watched his team lose to West Ham in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, and Express Sport examines what he took away from the game.
Arsenal were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the round of 16 after being defeated 3-1 by West Ham. Mikel Arteta’s team were far from their best at the London Stadium, as the Hammers exploited their inferior opponents.
Declan Rice made his first appearance since joining Arsenal for £105 million in the summer. The midfielder came off the bench to some boos and jeers as he warmed up.
Despite having the better of the first half, West Ham took the lead thanks to a Ben White own goal. The visitors’ pressure was in vain, as David Moyes’ side doubled their lead shortly after halftime through Mohammed Kudus.
On a miserable night for Arsenal, Jarrod Bowen sealed the win with the hosts’ third goal, with Martin Odegaard adding a late consolation in stoppage time. Express Sport examines what we learned from the game.
Aaron Ramsdale is quickly becoming Arsenal’s Harry Maguire, through no fault of his own. David Raya had started the previous nine Premier League and Champions League matches, so the goalkeeper was given a rare start.
After firing the goalkeeper earlier this season, Arteta has caused a stir. And West Ham fans were quick to point out that he had fallen out of favor.
When he had the ball at his feet, he was jeered and chanted ‘England’s number four’ in reference to his future international opportunities. Maguire has recently received similar treatment from opposing fans.
Maguire is frequently mocked for falling down the pecking order at Manchester United while still playing for England. Despite not doing anything wrong, Ramsdale is now receiving a similar reaction.
Two educational blunders were discovered.
Arsenal sporting director Edu may be kicking himself for a couple of failed transfer attempts. Before joining West Ham, both Kudus and Lucas Paqueta were linked with moves to the Emirates.
Kudus joined the Hammers in the summer and has made a slow start in east London. However, the winger would have provided much-needed backup and competition for right winger Bukayo Saka.
Kudus’ expertly taken goal demonstrated what Arsenal was lacking. Paqueta, his new teammate, was linked with the Gunners during his time at Lyon.
Arsenal’s interest in the Brazilian was not pursued, and he reminded them of his qualities on Wednesday. He outperformed Kai Havertz, who struggled to make an impact on the game yet again.
Oleksandr Zinchenko was a huge part of Arsenal’s success last season, but it’s clear he’s not at the top of his game right now. Arteta has noticed it as well, and is not afraid to remove him when things aren’t going well.
On Wednesday, the Ukraine star was replaced by Takehiro Tomiyasu in the 57th minute. Arteta had had enough after Zinchenko was caught off guard for the second goal.
It has become a common occurrence, with the 26-year-old also being taken off at half-time of the Chelsea draw, as well as in the second halves of matches against former club Manchester City, Lens, and Bournemouth. Arsenal requires Zinchenko to regain his influential form.
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