Alexis Sanchez scored a 15 minutes hat-trick as Arsenal ran riot over West Ham United at the Olympic Stadium in London. It was the Gunners’ first game of the new month following a disappointing November where they managed only a win.
Arsene Wenger opted to save Jenkinson by playing Gabriel at right back and the Brazilian put up a good shift. Monreal was back in the team. Xhaka and Coquelin were in charge of the middle while Oxlade-Chamberlain and Walcott operated from the flank with Sanchez upfront and Ozil just behind.
The Gunners could not turn in all of Monreal’s early low crosses in the game but capitalized on a poor clearance to open the flood gates in the 24th minute. Coquelin blocked Ogbonna’s clearance, Sanchez reacted fastest, skipped past a defender and laid it for Ozil to grab his 8th goal of the season – equaling his tally of last season.
The hammers held on and could have grabbed an equalizer before the break but they could not make use of their chances. The second half was initially tricky and remained 1-0 till Sanchez started his goal craze. In the 72nd minute, he drilled home from a narrow angle to make 2-0 to the Arsenal before making it 3-0 from the edge of the area in the 81st minute.
Andy Carrol came on and pulled one back when he headed in after Payet’s free-kick hit the bar. Almost immediately, Oxlade-Chamberlain restored the three-goal lead with a fine effort from 20 yards but Sanchez had the final say in the 87th minute when he dummied Darren Randolph and chipped in to grab his hat-trick. 5-1 to the Gunners.
The Gunners moved up to second place after Manchester City lost 3-1 to Conte’s Chelsea. The Gunners are now 2 points behind leaders Chelsea. Liverpool let a 3-1 win slip off as they lost 4-3 to AFC Bournemouth and Mourinho’s super-sub gave Everton a point after Fellaini gave away a late penalty to the toffees. It was a sad weekend for Manchester.
The El Classico was as dry as ever but Ramos’ late header gave Real Madrid a point. I think it is time to study RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga. Are they the new Leicester? They are 3 points clear at the top of the table and are unbeaten in the league.
Have a nice week.
SoccerGunz 